Albany, OR vs Salem, OR

Albany, OR and Salem, OR have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Albany scores 105 while Salem scores 107 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Albany is $1,311/month compared to $1,323/month in Salem — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Albany is more affordable at $352,900 median vs $382,400.

Median household income in Albany is $73,809 compared to $71,900 in Salem (+2.7%). Albany offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Albany spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, less than the 22.1% in Salem.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.2°F vs 54.1°F). Albany receives more rainfall at 41.5" per year compared to 40.1" in Salem.