Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Salem and Paterson have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 10%
$71,900/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 25%
$382,400 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 12%
$1,440/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 8%
176,666
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $18,134/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Paterson — common questions

Is Salem or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Paterson?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Paterson?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $18,134/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New Jersey?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Paterson details →

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