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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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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:
69
(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

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 - SeattleCalculate 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
$0
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.

Environment

Seattle
Salem
41 Good
Air Quality
35 Good
69.7%
Good Air Days
85%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🫨
▲+2.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
2 days
Heat Days >95°F
9 days
▲+2.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
2 days
Heat Days >95°F
9 days

What to Consider When Moving from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR

Relocating from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 31% lower in Salem, OR, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Salem, OR is 49% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Salem, OR pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Salem, OR to match your current standard of living in Seattle, WA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Salem, OR for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Seattle, WA vs Salem, OR

Is Salem, OR cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Yes, Salem, OR is about 31.2% cheaper than Seattle, WA. You could save approximately $2,343/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 49% lower in Salem, OR.

What salary do I need in Salem, OR to match my lifestyle in Seattle, WA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you would need approximately $121,879 in Salem, OR to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Seattle, WA and Salem, OR?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,218/month in Salem, OR. One-bedroom apartments are $2,260/month in Seattle, WA vs $936/month in Salem, OR. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Seattle, WA or Salem, OR?

Groceries are about 6% cheaper in Salem, OR than in Seattle, WA, saving a typical household roughly $59.42/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Washington and Oregon on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Seattle, WA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $3,706/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $3,706/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $3,619/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $3,576/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $3,576/mo

Similar cost to Salem, OR

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