Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Salem, OR (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Gilbert is 41% more expensive than Salem.

$2,028/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 35%
$121,351/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 41%
$518,600 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 26%
$1,908/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 25%
271,118
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $49,451/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Salem — common questions

Is Gilbert or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Salem?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Salem?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $49,451/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oregon?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Salem details →

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