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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Salem is 48% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,323/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
$71,900/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 13%
$382,400 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 53%
$1,440/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 23%
176,666
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $9,180/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Abilene — common questions

Is Salem or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Abilene?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Abilene?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $9,180/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Abilene

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland