Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Sacramento is 26% more expensive than Salem.

$1,694/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 22%
$83,753/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 14%
$484,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 21%
$1,752/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 18%
524,802
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $11,853/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Salem — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Salem?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Salem?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $11,853/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Salem details →

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