2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Salem, OR vs Eugene, OR

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Eugene or is it cheaper to live in Salem?
- Eugene is 2.5% more expensive than Salem.

Which city has more affordable housing, Eugene or Salem?
- Eugene housing costs are 15.3% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Salem or is Health Care more affordable in Eugene.
- Health related expenses are 3.4% more in Eugene.
 Salem, OREugene, ORUnited States
 Overall  Unlock106.6100
 Food & Groceries100.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock96.0100
 Housing121.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$458,500$338,100
 Utilities79  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock88.5100
 Miscellaneous103.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Salem    37 Reviews

After reading the reviews here, I had to come write my own. The problem I had with most of the reviews is that most were very opinion-based and seemed to assume everyone  More

   |    Reply

Moved here approx. 4 years ago from SW Michigan, but I've lived in 9 other cities & 5 other states. Salem is a very manageable sized city, with tons of parks, diverse  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I'm a native 5th generation Oregonian, so bear in mind that I was born with webs between my toes! Anyway, I used to think it rained too much when I was young. Then I  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Salem

Reviews for Eugene    89 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

It’s cold and rainy and cloudy most of the year on June it rained and was cloudy every day except 3. The weather is mostly cloudy even if it’s not raining. If you want  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

Moved here from Austin, Texas about three years ago. I've lived in the Bay Area, California, San Diego, Los Angeles and various towns in Central Texas (Georgetown,  More

   |    Reply

Eugene has its warts, just like any other city. But in my view, the good things far outweigh the bad aspects. What I like the best is the location, right on the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Eugene


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.