Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Salem is 5% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,323/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ≈ Same
$71,900/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 11%
$382,400 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 8%
$1,440/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 5%
176,666
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,000/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Salem or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Wilmington?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Wilmington?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $8,000/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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