Bend, OR vs Salem, OR: Cost of Living Comparison
Salem has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bend | Salem | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 147 | 105 | Salem |
| Housing | 186 ($1,237) | 110 ($926) | Salem |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Bend |
| Food & groceries | 119 ($488) | 96 ($394) | Salem |
| Utilities | 143 ($335) | 105 ($198) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 143 ($242) | 105 ($143) | Salem |
| Median annual wage | 118 ($57,000) | 118 ($57,000) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bend, OR or Salem, OR cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 42 index points (Bend, OR: 147, Salem, OR: 105; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bend, OR vs Salem, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $51,450/year in Bend, OR and $36,750/year in Salem, OR to cover basic living costs.