Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Salem is 134% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,323/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 107%
$71,900/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 76%
$382,400 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 172%
$1,440/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 83%
176,666
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,419/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $17,028/year.

Median household income is $54,569/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Salem or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Cambridge?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,419/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Cambridge?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $54,569/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Massachusetts?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Cambridge details →