Renton, 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 | Renton | Salem | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 146 | 105 | Salem |
| Housing | 181 ($1,346) | 110 ($926) | Salem |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Renton |
| Food & groceries | 129 ($529) | 96 ($394) | Salem |
| Utilities | 141 ($326) | 105 ($198) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 141 ($235) | 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 Renton, WA or Salem, OR cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 41 index points (Renton, WA: 146, Salem, OR: 105; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Renton, WA vs Salem, OR?
A single adult needs roughly $51,100/year in Renton, WA and $36,750/year in Salem, OR to cover basic living costs.