Is Hillsboro, OR cheaper than Salem, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Hillsboro, OR is 5.7% more expensive than Salem, OR. This translates to spending an extra $425 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, OR, you'd need approximately $155,104.391 in Hillsboro, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Hillsboro, OR is 5.7% more expensive than in Salem, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,732/month in Hillsboro, OR compared to $1,218/month in Salem, OR.

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

Living in Hillsboro, OR costs approximately $425 more per month than Salem, OR, or $5104 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, OR vs Hillsboro, OR: 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 $425/month more in Hillsboro, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.1K in Hillsboro, OR

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$425

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.1K

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

Hillsboro, OR

Population:108K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$524K

Salem, OR

The Beaver State

177K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Hillsboro, OR

The Beaver State

108K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 108K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Salem, OR vs Hillsboro, OR

Category	Salem, OR	Hillsboro, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,851/mo	$4,069/mo	↑ $218more	5.7%
Other	$1,751/mo	$1,851/mo	↑ $99.32more	5.7%
Transportation	$1,566/mo	$1,654/mo	↑ $88.80more	5.7%
Groceries	$1,020/mo	$1,048/mo	↑ $28.52more	2.8%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$650/mo	↑ $17.68more	2.8%
All Utilities	$453/mo	$466/mo	↑ $12.68more	2.8%

Housing

↑ 5.7%

Salem, OR

$3,851

Hillsboro, OR

$4,069

Difference

$218

Other

↑ 5.7%

Salem, OR

$1,751

Hillsboro, OR

$1,851

Difference

$99.32

Transportation

↑ 5.7%

Salem, OR

$1,566

Hillsboro, OR

$1,654

Difference

$88.80

Groceries

↑ 2.8%

Salem, OR

$1,020

Hillsboro, OR

$1,048

Difference

$28.52

Healthcare

↑ 2.8%

Salem, OR

$632

Hillsboro, OR

$650

Difference

$17.68

All Utilities

↑ 2.8%

Salem, OR

$453

Hillsboro, OR

$466

Difference

$12.68

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$924

To$1,418

↑ $494

1 Bed

From$936

To$1,512

↑ $576

2 Bed

From$1,218

To$1,732

↑ $514

3 Bed

From$1,686

To$2,361

↑ $675

Salem, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,580/mo

Hillsboro, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$1,970/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

$9,739

Monthly in Hillsboro, OR

$465

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Hillsboro

$471K

Median Value

$524K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.6%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +19.7%

$364K - $488K

Price Range

$517K - $531K

Homes in Hillsboro are 11% more expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Hillsboro

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

Hillsboro, 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%

Hillsboro, 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.