Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Salem is 40% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,323/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 13%
$71,900/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 19%
$382,400 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 49%
$1,440/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 18%
176,666
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $13,561/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Killeen — common questions

Is Salem or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Killeen?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Killeen?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $13,561/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

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