Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Salem, OR (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Reno is 16% more expensive than Salem.

$1,453/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 9%
$78,448/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 8%
$498,600 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 23%
$1,482/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 3%
268,959
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $6,548/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Salem — common questions

Is Reno or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Salem?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Salem?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $6,548/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Oregon?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Salem details →

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