Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Salem is 24% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,323/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 37%
$71,900/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 34%
$382,400 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 30%
$1,440/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 28%
176,666
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $24,245/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Westminster — common questions

Is Salem or Westminster 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 Westminster?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Westminster?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $24,245/year higher in Westminster.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Colorado?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

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