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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Salem is 18% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,323/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 38%
$71,900/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 34%
$382,400 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 6%
$1,440/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 25%
176,666
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $24,357/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Richardson — common questions

Is Salem or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Richardson?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Richardson?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $24,357/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Richardson

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater