Salem, OR vs Santa Cruz, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Salem, OR is more affordable by 6.2 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Salem, OR | Santa Cruz, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.6 | 109.9 | -6.2 |
| Housing | 110.3 | 164.3 | -54.0 |
| Goods | 105.3 | 105.2 | +0.1 |
| Utilities | 104.7 | 152.7 | -48.0 |
| Other Services | 100.3 | 100.3 | +0.0 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $72,154 | $104,409 |
| Median Home Value | $358,700 | $951,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,227 | $2,094 |
| Per Capita Income | $34,631 | $52,887 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem, OR or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Salem, OR is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 6.2 index points (Salem, OR: 103.6, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Salem, OR or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Salem, OR. Housing index: Salem, OR (110.3) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).