St. Louis, MO vs Salem, OR: 66 vs 105

$978/mo ↓ 26%

Median Rent

$1,323/mo ↑ 35%

$55,279/yr ↓ 23%

Median Income

$71,900/yr ↑ 30%

$185,100 ↓ 52%

Home Value

$382,400 ↑ 107%

$1,013/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,440/mo ↑ 42%

293,109

Population

176,666

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $16,621/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Salem — common questions

Is St. Louis or Salem cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Salem?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $345/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Salem?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $16,621/year higher in Salem.

How do taxes compare between Missouri and Oregon?

Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to St. Louis or Salem?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Salem, OR (2026)

St. Louis

Salem

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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