Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Salem, OR (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Raleigh is 5% more expensive than Salem.

$1,468/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 10%
$82,424/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 13%
$377,800 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 1%
$1,487/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 3%
470,763
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $10,524/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Salem — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 Raleigh and Salem?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Salem?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $10,524/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Salem details →

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