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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Salem is 66% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,323/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 126%
$71,900/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 142%
$382,400 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 300%
$1,440/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 112%
176,666
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,662/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $19,944/year.

Median household income is $101,770/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Salem or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,662/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $101,770/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Santa Clara

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville