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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Salem is 9% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,323/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 27%
$71,900/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 38%
$382,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 8%
$1,440/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 17%
176,666
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $27,215/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Salem or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Carrollton?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Carrollton?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $27,215/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

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