Is Salem, OR cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Salem, OR is 31.2% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $2343 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $121,879.107 in Salem, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Salem, OR is 48.9% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,218/month in Salem, OR compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR could save you approximately $2343 per month, or $28121 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Seattle, WA vs Salem, 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 Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Salem, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.9K in Salem, OR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 31.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,343

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.1K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$808K

Salem, OR

Population:177K

Cost Index:

(31% below avg)

Median Home:$471K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Salem, OR

Category	Seattle, WA	Salem, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,536/mo	$3,851/mo	↓ $3,685less	48.9%
Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,566/mo	↓ $333less	17.5%
Other	$1,975/mo	$1,751/mo	↓ $224less	11.3%
Healthcare	$824/mo	$632/mo	↓ $192less	23.3%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,020/mo	↓ $59.42less	5.5%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$453/mo	↓ $27.44less	5.7%

Housing

↓ 48.9%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Salem, OR

$3,851

Difference

$3,685

less

Transportation

↓ 17.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Salem, OR

$1,566

Difference

$333

less

Other

↓ 11.3%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Salem, OR

$1,751

Difference

$224

less

Healthcare

↓ 23.3%

Seattle, WA

$824

Salem, OR

$632

Difference

$192

less

Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Salem, OR

$1,020

Difference

$59.42

less

All Utilities

↓ 5.7%

Seattle, WA

$481

Salem, OR

$453

Difference

$27.44

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$924

↓ $1,256

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$936

↓ $1,324

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,218

↓ $1,412

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$1,686

↓ $1,754

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$9,273

Monthly in Salem, OR

$4,521

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Salem

$808K

Median Value

$471K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +0.3%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.3%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$364K - $488K

Homes in Salem are 42% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Salem

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $15.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$1,293

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.3%

Rate difference

Seattle, 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

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.