Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Concord, CA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Concord

California
187

Salem is 44% cheaper than Concord.

$1,323/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 68%
$71,900/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 52%
$382,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 98%
$1,440/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 59%
176,666
Population
124,260

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $903/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $10,836/year.

Median household income is $37,295/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Concord — common questions

Is Salem or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Concord?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $903/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Concord?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $37,295/year higher in Concord.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Concord details →

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