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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Salem is 19% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,323/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 28%
$71,900/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 6%
$382,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 7%
$1,440/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 21%
176,666
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $4,183/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Salem or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Lancaster?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Lancaster?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $4,183/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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