Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Salem is 72% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,323/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 28%
$71,900/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 18%
$382,400 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 61%
$1,440/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 30%
176,666
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $13,184/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Peoria — common questions

Is Salem or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Peoria?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Peoria?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $13,184/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Illinois?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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