Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Salem is 37% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,323/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 66%
$71,900/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 42%
$382,400 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 55%
$1,440/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 55%
176,666
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $868/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $10,416/year.

Median household income is $30,421/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Salem or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Fairfield?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $868/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Fairfield?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $30,421/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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