Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Salem is 33% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,323/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 4%
$71,900/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 9%
$382,400 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 46%
$1,440/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 18%
176,666
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $6,708/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Salem or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Dearborn?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Dearborn?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $6,708/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Michigan?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Dearborn details →

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