Salem, OR vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison
Salem has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Salem | Seattle | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 105 | 193 | Salem |
| Housing | 110 ($926) | 262 ($1,399) | Salem |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Seattle |
| Food & groceries | 96 ($394) | 163 ($668) | Salem |
| Utilities | 105 ($198) | 181 ($472) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 105 ($143) | 181 ($341) | Salem |
| Median annual wage | 118 ($57,000) | 130 ($62,990) | Salem |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem, OR or Seattle, WA cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 88 index points (Salem, OR: 105, Seattle, WA: 193; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Salem, OR vs Seattle, WA?
A single adult needs roughly $36,750/year in Salem, OR and $67,550/year in Seattle, WA to cover basic living costs.