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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Salem is 6% more expensive than Midland.

$1,323/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 6%
$71,900/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 27%
$382,400 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 22%
$1,440/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 2%
176,666
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $19,269/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Midland — common questions

Is Salem or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Midland?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Midland?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $19,269/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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