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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Richmond

California
161

Salem is 35% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,323/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 43%
$71,900/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 25%
$382,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 70%
$1,440/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 40%
176,666
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $18,138/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Richmond — common questions

Is Salem or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Richmond?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Richmond?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $18,138/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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