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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Modesto is 14% more expensive than Salem.

$1,609/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 18%
$77,899/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 8%
$415,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 8%
$1,613/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 11%
218,614
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $5,999/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Salem — common questions

Is Modesto or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Salem?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Salem?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $5,999/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Salem details →

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