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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Salem is 59% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,323/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 23%
$71,900/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 16%
$382,400 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 55%
$1,440/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 31%
176,666
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $11,735/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs McAllen — common questions

Is Salem or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and McAllen?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or McAllen?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $11,735/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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