Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Salem, OR (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Plano is 26% more expensive than Salem.

$1,792/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 26%
$108,649/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 34%
$440,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 13%
$1,829/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 21%
287,339
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $36,749/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Salem — common questions

Is Plano or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Salem?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Salem?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $36,749/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oregon?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Salem details →

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