Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Salem is 22% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,323/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 8%
$71,900/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 5%
$382,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 60%
$1,440/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 1%
176,666
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $3,522/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Salem or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $3,522/year higher in Salem.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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