Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Salem, OR (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Portland is 31% more expensive than Salem.

$1,596/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 17%
$88,792/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 19%
$557,600 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 31%
$1,771/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 19%
642,715
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $16,892/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Salem — common questions

Is Portland or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Salem?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Salem?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $16,892/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Oregon?
Both cities are in Oregon and share the same state tax rates: 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Salem details →

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