Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Salem is 39% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,323/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 54%
$71,900/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 58%
$382,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 82%
$1,440/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 51%
176,666
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $708/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $8,496/year.

Median household income is $41,738/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Salem or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Alexandria?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $708/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Alexandria?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $41,738/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Virginia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Alexandria details →

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