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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Salem is 15% more expensive than College Station.

$1,323/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 12%
$71,900/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 28%
$382,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 15%
$1,440/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 13%
176,666
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $20,124/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs College Station — common questions

Is Salem or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and College Station?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or College Station?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $20,124/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and College Station

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette