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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Salem is 33% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,323/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 9%
$71,900/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 9%
$382,400 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 43%
$1,440/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 19%
176,666
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $6,373/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Tyler — common questions

Is Salem or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Tyler?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Tyler?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $6,373/year higher in Salem.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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