Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Tacoma is 20% more expensive than Salem.

$1,597/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 17%
$83,857/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 14%
$454,600 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 16%
$1,747/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 18%
220,482
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $11,957/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Salem — common questions

Is Tacoma or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Salem?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Salem?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $11,957/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Oregon?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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.
View Tacoma details → View Salem details →

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