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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Glendale is 104% more expensive than Salem.

$2,095/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 37%
$84,262/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 15%
$1,043,900 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 63%
$2,212/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 35%
192,270
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $772/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $9,264/year.

Median household income is $12,362/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Salem — common questions

Is Glendale or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Salem?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $772/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Salem?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $12,362/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Salem details →

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