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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Mesa and Salem have a similar cost of living.

$1,478/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 10%
$78,779/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 9%
$364,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 5%
$1,404/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 3%
507,478
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $6,879/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Salem — common questions

Is Mesa or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Salem?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Salem?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $6,879/year higher in Mesa.
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 Mesa or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Salem details →

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