Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Salem is 33% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,323/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
$71,900/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 29%
$382,400 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 42%
$1,440/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 11%
176,666
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $20,561/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Springfield — common questions

Is Salem or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Springfield?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Springfield?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $20,561/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Massachusetts?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Springfield

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville