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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Salem is 28% cheaper than Kent.

$1,323/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 39%
$71,900/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 26%
$382,400 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 41%
$1,440/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 33%
176,666
Population
135,015

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $18,516/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Kent — common questions

Is Salem or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Kent?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Kent?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $18,516/year higher in Kent.
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 Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Kent details →

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