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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Salem is 46% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,323/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 61%
$71,900/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 45%
$382,400 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 125%
$1,440/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 56%
176,666
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $801/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $9,612/year.

Median household income is $32,319/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Salem or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Fullerton?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $801/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Fullerton?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $32,319/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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