Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Close to the national average, a reasonable cost of living for Salem.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 101
Median 2BR rent: $1,500/mo
Housing: 94 vs 100
Groceries: 109 vs 100
Utilities: 96 vs 100
Transportation: 115 vs 100
Healthcare: 103 vs 100
Salem offers a temperate Pacific climate and a near-average-cost place to land in Oregon. Housing is the line item that moves your budget most, anchored here to a real median 2BR rent of about $1,500/mo.