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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Salem is 32% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,323/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 52%
$71,900/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 24%
$382,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 46%
$1,440/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 43%
176,666
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $17,596/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Salem or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Vallejo?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Vallejo?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $17,596/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Vallejo details →

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