Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Worcester and Salem have a similar cost of living.

$1,415/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 7%
$67,544/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 6%
$339,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 13%
$1,521/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 5%
205,501
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Salem — common questions

Is Worcester or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Salem?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Salem?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Oregon?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Salem details →

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