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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Salem is 29% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,323/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 9%
$71,900/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 11%
$382,400 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 49%
$1,440/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 21%
176,666
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $7,630/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Salem or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Pasadena?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Pasadena?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $7,630/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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