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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Salem is 69% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,323/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 132%
$71,900/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 153%
$382,400 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 375%
$1,440/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 109%
176,666
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,742/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $20,904/year.

Median household income is $109,962/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Salem or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,742/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $109,962/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Sunnyvale

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