Cost of Living in Salem, OR
Population 176,666 · Oregon · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Salem's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $71,900 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Salem
The median home value in Salem is $382,400 — 25% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,323/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,900/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Oregon's top state income tax rate is 9.9% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 64.4°F and lows of 43.9°F. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 116 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 52 | 57 | 62 | 69 | 75 | 84 | 84 | 78 | 65 | 54 | 47 |
| Low °F | 36 | 36 | 38 | 41 | 46 | 51 | 55 | 55 | 51 | 44 | 39 | 35 |
| Precip" | 6.08 | 4.54 | 4.35 | 3.12 | 2.25 | 1.25 | 0.25 | 0.39 | 1.46 | 3.47 | 5.95 | 6.97 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR?
Salem has a cost index of 116 (100 = national average). It is 16% above the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, OR?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,323 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $382,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $71,900 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, OR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 0.0%. The Oregon state income tax top rate is 9.9%.
Is Salem, OR affordable?
Salem is above average in cost of living, with an index of 116 — about 16% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has average high temperatures of 64.4°F and average lows of 43.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 176,666
- Median Income
- $71,900
- Home Value
- $382,400
- Median Rent
- $1,323/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Oregon Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs