Salem, OR vs Tacoma, WA: Cost of Living Comparison
Salem has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Salem | Tacoma | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 105 | 118 | Salem |
| Housing | 110 ($926) | 131 ($1,118) | Salem |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 96 ($394) | 112 ($459) | Salem |
| Utilities | 105 ($198) | 116 ($236) | Salem |
| Healthcare | 105 ($143) | 116 ($170) | 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 Tacoma, WA cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is cheaper overall by about 13 index points (Salem, OR: 105, Tacoma, WA: 118; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Salem, OR vs Tacoma, WA?
A single adult needs roughly $36,750/year in Salem, OR and $41,300/year in Tacoma, WA to cover basic living costs.