Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Salem is 78% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,323/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 25%
$71,900/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 36%
$382,400 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 67%
$1,440/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 32%
176,666
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
10.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $26,055/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Salem or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Syracuse?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Syracuse?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $26,055/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and New York?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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