Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Athens, GA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Salem is 27% more expensive than Athens.

$1,323/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 12%
$71,900/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 28%
$382,400 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 29%
$1,440/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 19%
176,666
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $20,245/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Athens — common questions

Is Salem or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Athens?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Athens?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $20,245/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Georgia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Athens details →

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