Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Salem is 84% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,323/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 28%
$71,900/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 27%
$382,400 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 66%
$1,440/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 36%
176,666
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.05%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $19,649/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Evansville — common questions

Is Salem or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Evansville?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Evansville?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $19,649/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Indiana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Evansville

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow