Olympia, 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 | Olympia | Salem | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 118 | 105 | Salem |
| Housing | 132 ($1,056) | 110 ($926) | Salem |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Salem |
| Food & groceries | 103 ($422) | 96 ($394) | Salem |
| Utilities | 116 ($238) | 105 ($198) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 116 ($172) | 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 Olympia, WA or Salem, OR cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 13 index points (Olympia, WA: 118, Salem, OR: 105; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Olympia, WA vs Salem, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $41,300/year in Olympia, WA and $36,750/year in Salem, OR to cover basic living costs.