Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Salem, OR (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

New York is 58% more expensive than Salem.

$1,779/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 26%
$79,713/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 10%
$751,700 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 49%
$1,837/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 22%
8,516,202
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $7,813/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Salem — common questions

Is New York or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Salem?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Salem?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $7,813/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Oregon?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Salem details →

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