Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Salem is 24% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,323/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 35%
$71,900/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 97%
$382,400 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 25%
$1,440/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 39%
176,666
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $69,453/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Salem or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $69,453/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and The Woodlands

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan