Cost of Living in Salem, Oregon (2026)
COL Index
97
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,450
per month
Median HHI
$57K
per year
State Tax
9.9%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Salem |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,150 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,450 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,950 |
| Median home price | $380K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 100 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $56 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.80 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $125 |
| Internet/mo | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $57K |
| State income tax rate | 9.9% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 0.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 42 |
Is Salem affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,398/mo take-home
60% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,748/mo take-home
53% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,298/mo take-home
44% rent burden · Tight
$75K
~$4,122/mo take-home
35% rent burden · Tight
$80K
~$4,397/mo take-home
33% rent burden · Manageable
$100K
~$5,496/mo take-home
26% rent burden · Comfortable
$120K
~$6,165/mo take-home
24% rent burden · Comfortable
$150K
~$7,706/mo take-home
19% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only