Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Salem and Clearwater have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 16%
$71,900/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 10%
$382,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 15%
$1,440/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 2%
176,666
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $7,460/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Salem or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Clearwater?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Clearwater?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $7,460/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Florida?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Clearwater

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville