Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Provo, UT (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Salem is 3% more expensive than Provo.

$1,323/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 13%
$71,900/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 13%
$382,400 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 14%
$1,440/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 15%
176,666
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.65%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $9,100/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Provo — common questions

Is Salem or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Provo?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Provo?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $9,100/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Utah?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Provo details →

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