Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Salem is 23% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,323/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 26%
$71,900/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 16%
$382,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 43%
$1,440/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 18%
176,666
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $11,698/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Salem or Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $11,698/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

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