Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Salem is 58% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,323/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 89%
$71,900/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 124%
$382,400 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 215%
$1,440/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 80%
176,666
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,182/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $14,184/year.

Median household income is $89,400/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Salem or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Bellevue?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,182/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Bellevue?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $89,400/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Washington?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet