Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Salem, OR (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Tampa is 8% more expensive than Salem.

$1,567/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 16%
$71,302/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$71,900/yr ≈ Same
$375,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 2%
$1,553/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 7%
393,389
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $598/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Salem — common questions

Is Tampa or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Salem?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Salem?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $598/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Oregon?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Salem details →

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