Is Salem, OR cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Salem, OR is 9.0% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $677 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $141,870.819 in Salem, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Salem, OR is 18.1% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,218/month in Salem, OR compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Salem, OR could save you approximately $677 per month, or $8129 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portland, 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 Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $677/month moving to Salem, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.9K in Salem, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$677

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.1K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$535K

Salem, OR

Population:177K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$471K

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

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: Portland, OR vs Salem, OR

Category	Portland, OR	Salem, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,704/mo	$3,851/mo	↓ $853less	18.1%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,751/mo	↓ $174less	9.0%
Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,566/mo	↓ $155less	9.0%
Groceries	$1,069/mo	$1,020/mo	↓ $49.43less	4.6%
Healthcare	$663/mo	$632/mo	↓ $30.65less	4.6%
All Utilities	$475/mo	$453/mo	↓ $21.98less	4.6%

Housing

↓ 18.1%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Salem, OR

$3,851

Difference

$853

less

Other

↓ 9.0%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Salem, OR

$1,751

Difference

$174

less

Transportation

↓ 9.0%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Salem, OR

$1,566

Difference

$155

less

Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Salem, OR

$1,020

Difference

$49.43

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.6%

Portland, OR

$663

Salem, OR

$632

Difference

$30.65

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.6%

Portland, OR

$475

Salem, OR

$453

Difference

$21.98

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$1,555

To$924

↓ $631

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$936

↓ $719

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,218

↓ $682

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$1,686

↓ $904

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$9,273

Monthly in Salem, OR

$1,284

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Salem

$535K

Median Value

$471K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +0.3%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.3%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$364K - $488K

Homes in Salem are 12% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland 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

Portland, 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

Portland, 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.