Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Salem, OR (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Newark is 5% cheaper than Salem.

$1,330/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ≈ Same
$48,416/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 49%
$337,800 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 13%
$1,419/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 1%
307,188
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,484/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Salem — common questions

Is Newark or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Salem?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Salem?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $23,484/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Oregon?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Salem details →

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