Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Salem, OR (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Nashville is 5% more expensive than Salem.

$1,486/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 11%
$75,197/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 4%
$383,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$382,400 ≈ Same
$1,471/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 2%
684,298
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $3,297/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Salem — common questions

Is Nashville or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Salem?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Salem?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $3,297/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Oregon?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Salem details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Salem

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville