Is Everett, WA cheaper than Salem, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Everett, WA is 39.4% more expensive than Salem, OR. This translates to spending an extra $2953 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, OR, you'd need approximately $185,437.462 in Everett, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salem, OR and Everett, WA?

Housing in Everett, WA is 68.8% more expensive than in Salem, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,759/month in Everett, WA compared to $1,218/month in Salem, OR.

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

Living in Everett, WA costs approximately $2953 more per month than Salem, OR, or $35437 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, OR vs Everett, WA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 spend $3.0K/month more in Everett, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $185.4K in Everett, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 39.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,953

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$35.4K

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

Everett, WA

Population:111K

Cost Index:

139

(39% above avg)

Median Home:$596K

Salem, OR

The Beaver State

177K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Everett, WA

The Evergreen State

111K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 111K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Salem, OR vs Everett, WA

Category	Salem, OR	Everett, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,851/mo	$6,500/mo	↑ $2,649more	68.8%
Transportation	$1,566/mo	$1,819/mo	↑ $254more	16.2%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$807/mo	↑ $174more	27.6%
Other	$1,751/mo	$1,893/mo	↑ $142more	8.1%
Groceries	$1,020/mo	$1,056/mo	↑ $36.66more	3.6%
All Utilities	$453/mo	$471/mo	↑ $17.30more	3.8%

Housing

↑ 68.8%

Salem, OR

$3,851

Everett, WA

$6,500

Difference

$2,649

Transportation

↑ 16.2%

Salem, OR

$1,566

Everett, WA

$1,819

Difference

$254

Healthcare

↑ 27.6%

Salem, OR

$632

Everett, WA

$807

Difference

$174

Other

↑ 8.1%

Salem, OR

$1,751

Everett, WA

$1,893

Difference

$142

Groceries

↑ 3.6%

Salem, OR

$1,020

Everett, WA

$1,056

Difference

$36.66

All Utilities

↑ 3.8%

Salem, OR

$453

Everett, WA

$471

Difference

$17.30

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$924

To$1,466

↑ $542

1 Bed

From$936

To$1,507

↑ $571

2 Bed

From$1,218

To$1,759

↑ $541

3 Bed

From$1,686

To$2,321

↑ $635

Salem, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,580/mo

Everett, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,980/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

$12,546

Monthly in Everett, WA

$3,272

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Everett

$471K

Median Value

$596K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +37%

$364K - $488K

Price Range

$542K - $747K

Homes in Everett are 27% more expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Everett

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

Everett, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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%

Everett, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.