Is Salem, OR cheaper than Eugene, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Salem, OR is 13.3% more expensive than Eugene, OR. This translates to spending an extra $998 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Eugene, OR, you'd need approximately $161,979.583 in Salem, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Eugene, OR and Salem, OR?

Housing in Salem, OR is 13.3% more expensive than in Eugene, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,218/month in Salem, OR compared to $1,208/month in Eugene, OR.

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

Living in Salem, OR costs approximately $998 more per month than Eugene, OR, or $11980 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Eugene, OR 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 Eugene, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $998/month more in Salem, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.0K in Salem, OR

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$998

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.0K

Per year

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

Eugene, OR

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$470K

Salem, OR

Population:177K

Cost Index:

113

(13% above avg)

Median Home:$471K

Eugene, OR

The Beaver State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 178K residents.

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: Eugene, OR vs Salem, OR

Category	Eugene, OR	Salem, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,399/mo	$3,851/mo	↑ $452more	13.3%
Other	$1,546/mo	$1,751/mo	↑ $206more	13.3%
Transportation	$1,382/mo	$1,566/mo	↑ $184more	13.3%
Groceries	$958/mo	$1,020/mo	↑ $61.77more	6.4%
Healthcare	$594/mo	$632/mo	↑ $38.30more	6.4%
All Utilities	$426/mo	$453/mo	↑ $27.46more	6.4%

Housing

↑ 13.3%

Eugene, OR

$3,399

Salem, OR

$3,851

Difference

$452

Other

↑ 13.3%

Eugene, OR

$1,546

Salem, OR

$1,751

Difference

$206

Transportation

↑ 13.3%

Eugene, OR

$1,382

Salem, OR

$1,566

Difference

$184

Groceries

↑ 6.4%

Eugene, OR

$958

Salem, OR

$1,020

Difference

$61.77

Healthcare

↑ 6.4%

Eugene, OR

$594

Salem, OR

$632

Difference

$38.30

All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

Eugene, OR

$426

Salem, OR

$453

Difference

$27.46

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Eugene, OR: Lane Transit District Payroll Tax$315/yr (0.2%)

Salem, OR has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$873

To$924

↑ $51.00

1 Bed

From$921

To$936

↑ $15.00

2 Bed

From$1,208

To$1,218

↑ $10.00

3 Bed

From$1,682

To$1,686

↑ $4.00

Eugene, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$1,380/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.

$8,304

Monthly in Eugene, OR

$9,273

Monthly in Salem, OR

$970

Difference

Home Values

Eugene

Salem

$470K

Median Value

$471K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↑ +0.3%

↑ +27.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.3%

$391K - $592K

Price Range

$364K - $488K

Calculate payment - Eugene Calculate payment - Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Eugene, 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

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

Eugene, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

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.