Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Salem is 6% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,323/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 11%
$71,900/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 11%
$382,400 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 3%
$1,440/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 7%
176,666
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $8,026/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Salem or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $8,026/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Jersey?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Elizabeth

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland