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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Salem is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,323/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 81%
$71,900/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 53%
$382,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 176%
$1,440/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 71%
176,666
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,072/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $12,864/year.

Median household income is $38,173/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Salem or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,072/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $38,173/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Costa Mesa

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria