Lakewood, 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 | Lakewood | Salem | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 110 | 105 | Salem |
| Housing | 121 ($1,022) | 110 ($926) | Salem |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 94 ($385) | 96 ($394) | Lakewood |
| Utilities | 111 ($218) | 105 ($198) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 111 ($157) | 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 Lakewood, WA or Salem, OR cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (Lakewood, WA: 110, Salem, OR: 105; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lakewood, WA vs Salem, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $38,500/year in Lakewood, WA and $36,750/year in Salem, OR to cover basic living costs.