Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Fremont is 165% more expensive than Salem.

$2,905/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 54%
$176,350/yr ↑ 145%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 59%
$1,289,400 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 70%
$3,000/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 52%
228,518
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,582/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $18,984/year.

Median household income is $104,450/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Salem — common questions

Is Fremont or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Salem?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $1,582/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Salem?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $104,450/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fremont details → View Salem details →

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