Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Salem is 77% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,323/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 73%
$71,900/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 52%
$382,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 82%
$1,440/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 61%
176,666
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $37,611/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Salem or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $37,611/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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