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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Salem is 46% more expensive than Waco.

$1,323/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 17%
$71,900/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 28%
$382,400 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 48%
$1,440/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 24%
176,666
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $20,432/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Waco — common questions

Is Salem or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Waco?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Waco?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $20,432/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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