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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Los Angeles is 78% more expensive than Salem.

$1,879/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 30%
$80,366/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 11%
$879,500 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 57%
$2,055/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 30%
3,857,897
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $8,466/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Salem — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Salem?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Salem?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $8,466/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Salem details →

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