Is Austin, TX cheaper than Salem, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 12.9% cheaper than Salem, OR. This translates to saving $968 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, OR, you'd need approximately $138,388.031 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salem, OR and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 25.1% cheaper than in Salem, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,218/month in Salem, OR.

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

Moving from Salem, OR to Austin, TX could save you approximately $968 per month, or $11612 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, OR vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Salem, OR — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Portland, OR area

Current salary in Salem, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $968/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$968

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.6K

Per year

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

Salem, OR

Population:177K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$471K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$558K

Salem, OR

The Beaver State

177K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Salem, OR vs Austin, TX

Category	Salem, OR	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,851/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $966less	25.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,566/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $282less	18.0%
⚡All Utilities	$453/mo	$541/mo	↑ $87.55more	19.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,020/mo	$959/mo	↓ $60.49less	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.70less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,751/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $10.26less	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 25.1%

Salem, OR

$3,851

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$966

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.0%

Salem, OR

$1,566

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$282

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.3%

Salem, OR

$453

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$87.55

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Salem, OR

$1,020

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$60.49

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Salem, OR

$632

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.70

less

📦Other

↓ 0.6%

Salem, OR

$1,751

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$10.26

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$924

To$1,585

↑ $661

1 Bed

From$936

To$1,685

↑ $749

2 Bed

From$1,218

To$1,995

↑ $777

3 Bed

From$1,686

To$2,525

↑ $839

Salem, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,580/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$9,273

Monthly in Salem, OR

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,275

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Austin

$471K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$364K - $488K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 19% more expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $15.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$1,293

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

Additional Tax Information

Salem, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.