Is Salem expensive to live in?

Salem is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 105 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 5% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,600, and the median household income is $71,900.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Salem?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $64,000/year to afford median rent in Salem. The median household income is $71,900, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 27%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Salem?

The median rent in Salem is $1,600 per month. Housing costs score 113 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 13% more expensive than the US average.

How does Salem compare to the national average cost of living?

Salem's overall cost index is 105 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (113), food & groceries (103), transportation (100), utilities (97), and healthcare (109). Salem is above average in most categories.

Is Salem, Oregon a good place to live?

Salem has a population of 177,432 and a median household income of $71,900. With a cost index of 105, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 27%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Salem?

To find the most affordable cities near Salem in Oregon, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Oregon state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

Home/Oregon/Salem

Oregon

Salem

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

Compare city

Cost index: 105

Median rent: $1,600

Median income: $71,900

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

Population

Median Income

Median Rent

$0/mo

12mo Trend

About Salem

Living in Salem, Oregon

Salem, Oregon is a growing city with a population of approximately 177,432. The overall cost of living index sits at 105, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 5% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Salem. Median rent is $1,600 per month, while the median home price is $432,341. At a median household income of $71,900, rent consumes roughly 27% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 113 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Salem with a sub-index of 109, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 97. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Oregon applies a 9.90% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.87% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 0.00%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Salem has remained relatively stable. Among the 5 tracked cities in Oregon, Salem ranks #1 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Salem actually costs.

City Intelligence Overview