Is Salem, OR cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Salem, OR is 5.4% cheaper than Anchorage, AK. This translates to saving $405 per month.

What salary do I need in Salem, OR to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $145,145.652 in Salem, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Salem, OR?

Housing in Salem, OR is 25.6% more expensive than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,218/month in Salem, OR compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Salem, OR?

Moving from Anchorage, AK to Salem, OR could save you approximately $405 per month, or $4854 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Salem, OR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Anchorage, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $405/month moving to Salem, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.1K in Salem, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$405

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Anchorage, AK

Population:292K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$365K

Salem, OR

Population:177K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$471K

Anchorage, AK

The Last Frontier

292K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Alaska, this city has a population of 292K residents.

💡 Advantage: Alaska has no state income tax!

Salem, OR

The Beaver State

177K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 177K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Anchorage, AK vs Salem, OR

Category	Anchorage, AK	Salem, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,066/mo	$3,851/mo	↑ $784more	25.6%
All Utilities	$825/mo	$453/mo	↓ $372less	45.0%
Groceries	$1,329/mo	$1,020/mo	↓ $309less	23.3%
Healthcare	$892/mo	$632/mo	↓ $260less	29.1%
Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,566/mo	↑ $118more	8.1%
Other	$1,858/mo	$1,751/mo	↓ $107less	5.8%

Housing

↑ 25.6%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Salem, OR

$3,851

Difference

$784

All Utilities

↓ 45.0%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Salem, OR

$453

Difference

$372

less

Groceries

↓ 23.3%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Salem, OR

$1,020

Difference

$309

less

Healthcare

↓ 29.1%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Salem, OR

$632

Difference

$260

less

Transportation

↑ 8.1%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Salem, OR

$1,566

Difference

$118

Other

↓ 5.8%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Salem, OR

$1,751

Difference

$107

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,230

To$924

↓ $306

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$936

↓ $389

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,218

↓ $502

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$1,686

↓ $654

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/mo

Salem, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,580/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,419

Monthly in Anchorage, AK

$9,273

Monthly in Salem, OR

$146

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Salem

$365K

Median Value

$471K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↑ +0.3%

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.3%

$316K - $658K

Price Range

$364K - $488K

Homes in Salem are 29% more expensive than Anchorage

Calculate payment - Anchorage Calculate payment - Salem

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $15.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$1,293

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

Anchorage, AK

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alaska State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Salem, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

Additional Tax Information

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

Salem, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.