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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Salem is 27% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,323/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$71,900/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 2%
$382,400 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 46%
$1,440/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 13%
176,666
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,130/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Odessa — common questions

Is Salem or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Odessa?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Odessa?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $1,130/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Odessa details →

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