Portland vs Salem: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Portland | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,493 | $1,067 | +33% |
| Median household income | $90,919 | $75,487 | +19% |
| Grocery cost index | 105.3 | 105.3 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $147 | $147 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$77,399
- Difference
- -$2,601