Auburn, WA vs Salem, OR: Cost of Living Comparison
Salem has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Auburn | Salem | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 129 | 105 | Salem |
| Housing | 147 ($1,199) | 110 ($926) | Salem |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 128 ($525) | 96 ($394) | Salem |
| Utilities | 124 ($265) | 105 ($198) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 124 ($191) | 105 ($143) | Salem |
| Median annual wage | 130 ($62,990) | 118 ($57,000) | Salem |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auburn, WA or Salem, OR cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 24 index points (Auburn, WA: 129, Salem, OR: 105; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Auburn, WA vs Salem, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $45,150/year in Auburn, WA and $36,750/year in Salem, OR to cover basic living costs.