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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Salem is 59% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,323/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 19%
$71,900/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 20%
$382,400 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 58%
$1,440/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 28%
176,666
Population
113,710

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Beaumont, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $14,370/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Salem or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Beaumont?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Beaumont?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $14,370/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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Beaumont details →

More Comparisons

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