What is the cost of living in Salem?

The cost of living in Salem is 47.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 53.0). Groceries are 22.7% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 21.3% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,531 per month. Local purchasing power index is 136.3 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 OR, United States · #109 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Salem?

Q: Should I move to Salem?

Salem, OR, United States has a cost of living 47.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 53.0). It is ranked #109 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 136.3 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

47.0% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-47.0%

vs NYC

USD 1,531

1-BR, city centre

136.3

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Salem?

Cost breakdown: Salem

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

53.0 Expensive

Rent

33.2 Very affordable

Groceries

77.3 Above average

Restaurants

78.7 Above average

Purchasing Power

136.3 Very strong

Rent in Salem

1-BR, city centre USD 1,531/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,377/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,308/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,025/mo

Save by going outside centre 10% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Eugene

OR, United States

CoL index 50.6

Compare Eugene vs Salem →

🇺🇸 Portland

OR, United States

CoL index 64.6

Compare Portland vs Salem →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Salem after tax, in seconds.

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