Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Everett, WA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Salem is 23% cheaper than Everett.

$1,323/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 27%
$71,900/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 13%
$382,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 39%
$1,440/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 21%
176,666
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $9,602/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Everett — common questions

Is Salem or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Everett?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Everett?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $9,602/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Washington?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Everett details →

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