Is Eugene, OR cheaper than Salem, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Eugene, OR is 11.7% cheaper than Salem, OR. This translates to saving $881 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, OR, you'd need approximately $139,427.664 in Eugene, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Eugene, OR is 11.7% cheaper than in Salem, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,208/month in Eugene, OR compared to $1,218/month in Salem, OR.

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

Moving from Salem, OR to Eugene, OR could save you approximately $881 per month, or $10572 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, OR vs Eugene, 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 Salem, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $881/month moving to Eugene, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.4K in Eugene, OR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$881

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.6K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$471K

Eugene, OR

Population:178K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$470K

Salem, OR

The Beaver State

177K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Eugene, OR

The Beaver State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Salem, OR vs Eugene, OR

Category	Salem, OR	Eugene, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,851/mo	$3,399/mo	↓ $452less	11.7%
Other	$1,751/mo	$1,546/mo	↓ $206less	11.7%
Transportation	$1,566/mo	$1,382/mo	↓ $184less	11.7%
Groceries	$1,020/mo	$958/mo	↓ $61.77less	6.1%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$594/mo	↓ $38.30less	6.1%
All Utilities	$453/mo	$426/mo	↓ $27.46less	6.1%

Housing

↓ 11.7%

Salem, OR

$3,851

Eugene, OR

$3,399

Difference

$452

less

Other

↓ 11.7%

Salem, OR

$1,751

Eugene, OR

$1,546

Difference

$206

less

Transportation

↓ 11.7%

Salem, OR

$1,566

Eugene, OR

$1,382

Difference

$184

less

Groceries

↓ 6.1%

Salem, OR

$1,020

Eugene, OR

$958

Difference

$61.77

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.1%

Salem, OR

$632

Eugene, OR

$594

Difference

$38.30

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.1%

Salem, OR

$453

Eugene, OR

$426

Difference

$27.46

less

🏛️ 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$924

To$873

↓ $51.00

1 Bed

From$936

To$921

↓ $15.00

2 Bed

From$1,218

To$1,208

↓ $10.00

3 Bed

From$1,686

To$1,682

↓ $4.00

Salem, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,580/mo

Eugene, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$1,380/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

$8,304

Monthly in Eugene, OR

$970

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Eugene

$471K

Median Value

$470K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.2%

$364K - $488K

Price Range

$391K - $592K

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Eugene

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Salem, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Eugene, 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.