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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Salem is 13% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,323/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 33%
$71,900/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 56%
$382,400 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 13%
$1,440/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 36%
176,666
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $436/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,232/year.

Median household income is $40,570/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Pearland — common questions

Is Salem or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Pearland?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $436/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Pearland?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $40,570/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Pearland details →

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