Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Salem is 17% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,323/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 45%
$71,900/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 30%
$382,400 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 4%
$1,440/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 10%
176,666
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $21,471/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Surprise — common questions

Is Salem or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Surprise?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Surprise?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $21,471/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Arizona?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Surprise

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite