Portland, 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 | Portland | Salem | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 134 | 105 | Salem |
| Housing | 160 ($1,117) | 110 ($926) | Salem |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Salem |
| Food & groceries | 119 ($488) | 96 ($394) | Salem |
| Utilities | 130 ($288) | 105 ($198) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 130 ($208) | 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 Portland, OR or Salem, OR cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 29 index points (Portland, OR: 134, Salem, OR: 105; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Portland, OR vs Salem, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $46,900/year in Portland, OR and $36,750/year in Salem, OR to cover basic living costs.