Washington, DC vs Salem, OR: cost of living compared
Price levels from BEA (2024); rent and home values from Zillow (September 2026).
The short answer
- Overall, Salem, OR is 4.8% less expensive than Washington, DC (BEA, 2024).
- To keep the same standard of living, $75,000 in Washington works out to about $71,400 in Salem, before taxes.
- Most of the difference is housing, which costs 27.0% less in Salem. Goods are 0.4% higher and other services 2.0% lower.
- Typical asking rent is $1,646 a month in Salem and $2,407 in Washington, $9,132 a year less in Salem (Zillow, September 2026).
- A typical home is valued at about $447,000 in Salem and $570,000 in Washington.
- The gap has narrowed since 2019, when Salem was 7.2% less expensive than Washington.
derived Calculated from BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) and Zillow data. Based on an average household's spending; taxes not included. How we calculate.
Category by category
Both cities against the US average (100). The gap in each row is what matters for a move.
Housing drives the gap: 27.0% lower in Salem than in Washington
Price level by category, 2024. US average = 100.
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
All items Washington, DC: 108.9 Salem, OR: 103.6
Goods Washington, DC: 104.8 Salem, OR: 105.3
Housing (rents) Washington, DC: 151.1 Salem, OR: 110.3
Utilities Washington, DC: 106.7 Salem, OR: 104.7
Other services Washington, DC: 102.3 Salem, OR: 100.3
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 103.6 |
| Goods | 104.8 | 105.3 |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 110.3 |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 104.7 |
| Other services | 102.3 | 100.3 |
| Category | Washington | Salem | Salem vs Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 103.6 | −4.8% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 105.3 | +0.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 110.3 | −27.0% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 104.7 | −1.9% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 100.3 | −2.0% |
| Typical asking rent | $2,407 | $1,646 | −31.6% |
| Typical home value | $570,000 | $447,000 | −21.5% |
| Salary to match $75,000 in Washington | $75,000 | $71,400 | −4.8% |
Index values: BEA, 2024, US = 100. Rent and home values: Data Provided by Zillow Group, September 2026.
How the gap has changed since 2008
The price gap between Washington and Salem has narrowed since 2008: 20.6 points then, 5.2 now
Overall price level each year, 2008–2024. US average = 100.
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
US average = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 114.8 | 94.1 |
| 2009 | 115.0 | 99.0 |
| 2010 | 114.6 | 98.9 |
| 2011 | 113.5 | 98.2 |
| 2012 | 111.7 | 101.1 |
| 2013 | 113.9 | 99.3 |
| 2014 | 113.7 | 97.7 |
| 2015 | 113.7 | 98.9 |
| 2016 | 112.1 | 97.1 |
| 2017 | 109.8 | 99.1 |
| 2018 | 111.2 | 102.4 |
| 2019 | 109.8 | 101.8 |
| 2020 | 111.4 | 100.9 |
| 2021 | 111.6 | 102.0 |
| 2022 | 111.2 | 104.8 |
| 2023 | 109.5 | 102.5 |
| 2024 | 108.9 | 103.6 |
Goods
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 111.6 | 92.7 |
| 2009 | 112.6 | 102.3 |
| 2010 | 108.5 | 100.3 |
| 2011 | 106.5 | 100.6 |
| 2012 | 104.9 | 101.9 |
| 2013 | 108.9 | 99.6 |
| 2014 | 104.0 | 100.2 |
| 2015 | 104.0 | 98.4 |
| 2016 | 104.2 | 100.2 |
| 2017 | 103.1 | 99.9 |
| 2018 | 105.2 | 104.6 |
| 2019 | 104.1 | 104.5 |
| 2020 | 104.8 | 104.6 |
| 2021 | 108.5 | 106.5 |
| 2022 | 106.9 | 109.1 |
| 2023 | 106.4 | 104.8 |
| 2024 | 104.8 | 105.3 |
Housing (rents)
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 168.2 | 82.5 |
| 2009 | 168.9 | 93.1 |
| 2010 | 171.2 | 95.5 |
| 2011 | 173.2 | 90.9 |
| 2012 | 172.3 | 96.3 |
| 2013 | 176.2 | 92.4 |
| 2014 | 175.2 | 89.1 |
| 2015 | 171.4 | 90.2 |
| 2016 | 170.9 | 91.2 |
| 2017 | 166.2 | 95.0 |
| 2018 | 169.0 | 97.6 |
| 2019 | 162.9 | 98.1 |
| 2020 | 165.1 | 96.5 |
| 2021 | 162.5 | 101.8 |
| 2022 | 157.1 | 99.6 |
| 2023 | 151.9 | 95.7 |
| 2024 | 151.1 | 110.3 |
Utilities
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 116.4 | 90.1 |
| 2009 | 120.6 | 94.6 |
| 2010 | 107.3 | 87.3 |
| 2011 | 105.8 | 93.9 |
| 2012 | 107.9 | 97.5 |
| 2013 | 107.4 | 90.3 |
| 2014 | 104.2 | 98.4 |
| 2015 | 108.0 | 104.2 |
| 2016 | 112.4 | 97.1 |
| 2017 | 108.1 | 97.7 |
| 2018 | 103.7 | 92.1 |
| 2019 | 102.8 | 95.5 |
| 2020 | 104.7 | 94.9 |
| 2021 | 108.3 | 96.0 |
| 2022 | 101.7 | 89.8 |
| 2023 | 105.7 | 90.1 |
| 2024 | 106.7 | 104.7 |
Other services
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
US = 100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by metropolitan area, 2024 (US = 100).
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 105.5 | 100.2 |
| 2009 | 104.7 | 99.4 |
| 2010 | 106.8 | 100.0 |
| 2011 | 106.1 | 99.6 |
| 2012 | 104.1 | 102.7 |
| 2013 | 104.7 | 102.6 |
| 2014 | 107.8 | 99.1 |
| 2015 | 108.3 | 102.2 |
| 2016 | 105.3 | 97.1 |
| 2017 | 102.9 | 100.0 |
| 2018 | 103.9 | 103.4 |
| 2019 | 102.6 | 101.8 |
| 2020 | 103.9 | 100.4 |
| 2021 | 102.6 | 99.1 |
| 2022 | 104.4 | 104.5 |
| 2023 | 102.4 | 104.2 |
| 2024 | 102.3 | 100.3 |
Rent and home values
Typical asking rent: $1,646 in Salem vs $2,407 in Washington
Typical asking rent for a new lease, dollars per month. Quarterly.
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
- United States
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index (typical asking rent, all homes, smoothed), through September 2026. Data Provided by Zillow Group.
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | United States | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2015 | $1,697 | $840 | $1,145 |
| Jun 2015 | $1,721 | $870 | $1,170 |
| Sep 2015 | $1,722 | $909 | $1,181 |
| Dec 2015 | $1,712 | $919 | $1,182 |
| Mar 2016 | $1,729 | $946 | $1,195 |
| Jun 2016 | $1,750 | $978 | $1,219 |
| Sep 2016 | $1,752 | $1,012 | $1,225 |
| Dec 2016 | $1,739 | $1,012 | $1,222 |
| Mar 2017 | $1,769 | $1,047 | $1,245 |
| Jun 2017 | $1,795 | $1,073 | $1,270 |
| Sep 2017 | $1,794 | $1,086 | $1,276 |
| Dec 2017 | $1,783 | $1,081 | $1,275 |
| Mar 2018 | $1,805 | $1,106 | $1,296 |
| Jun 2018 | $1,835 | $1,120 | $1,320 |
| Sep 2018 | $1,840 | $1,145 | $1,327 |
| Dec 2018 | $1,843 | $1,133 | $1,329 |
| Mar 2019 | $1,865 | $1,152 | $1,349 |
| Jun 2019 | $1,895 | $1,176 | $1,376 |
| Sep 2019 | $1,901 | $1,190 | $1,383 |
| Dec 2019 | $1,891 | $1,174 | $1,381 |
| Mar 2020 | $1,918 | $1,208 | $1,402 |
| Jun 2020 | $1,912 | $1,211 | $1,406 |
| Sep 2020 | $1,895 | $1,238 | $1,410 |
| Dec 2020 | $1,847 | $1,257 | $1,407 |
| Mar 2021 | $1,871 | $1,291 | $1,443 |
| Jun 2021 | $1,949 | $1,339 | $1,512 |
| Sep 2021 | $2,033 | $1,405 | $1,590 |
| Dec 2021 | $2,043 | $1,418 | $1,622 |
| Mar 2022 | $2,075 | $1,438 | $1,661 |
| Jun 2022 | $2,149 | $1,509 | $1,721 |
| Sep 2022 | $2,184 | $1,570 | $1,748 |
| Dec 2022 | $2,138 | $1,553 | $1,735 |
| Mar 2023 | $2,176 | $1,566 | $1,757 |
| Jun 2023 | $2,221 | $1,575 | $1,785 |
| Sep 2023 | $2,249 | $1,600 | $1,797 |
| Dec 2023 | $2,229 | $1,592 | $1,786 |
| Mar 2024 | $2,265 | $1,583 | $1,807 |
| Jun 2024 | $2,325 | $1,601 | $1,837 |
| Sep 2024 | $2,346 | $1,624 | $1,845 |
| Dec 2024 | $2,321 | $1,611 | $1,836 |
| Mar 2025 | $2,365 | $1,614 | $1,860 |
| Jun 2025 | $2,389 | $1,639 | $1,880 |
| Sep 2025 | $2,375 | $1,648 | $1,881 |
| Dec 2025 | $2,336 | $1,634 | $1,873 |
| Mar 2026 | $2,364 | $1,633 | $1,894 |
| Jun 2026 | $2,391 | $1,640 | $1,921 |
| Sep 2026 | $2,407 | $1,646 | $1,932 |
Typical home value: $447,000 in Salem vs $570,000 in Washington
Typical home value, dollars. Quarterly.
- Washington, DC
- Salem, OR
- United States
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (typical home value, middle tier, smoothed, seasonally adjusted), through September 2026. Data Provided by Zillow Group.
Show the numbers
| Washington, DC | Salem, OR | United States | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2015 | $372K | $199K | $189K |
| Jun 2015 | $373K | $203K | $192K |
| Sep 2015 | $375K | $209K | $195K |
| Dec 2015 | $379K | $216K | $199K |
| Mar 2016 | $382K | $223K | $202K |
| Jun 2016 | $382K | $229K | $204K |
| Sep 2016 | $383K | $236K | $206K |
| Dec 2016 | $388K | $244K | $209K |
| Mar 2017 | $393K | $250K | $213K |
| Jun 2017 | $396K | $258K | $216K |
| Sep 2017 | $397K | $265K | $219K |
| Dec 2017 | $402K | $271K | $223K |
| Mar 2018 | $407K | $280K | $227K |
| Jun 2018 | $409K | $288K | $230K |
| Sep 2018 | $413K | $296K | $234K |
| Dec 2018 | $415K | $301K | $236K |
| Mar 2019 | $420K | $306K | $239K |
| Jun 2019 | $424K | $310K | $242K |
| Sep 2019 | $425K | $312K | $244K |
| Dec 2019 | $430K | $316K | $247K |
| Mar 2020 | $438K | $324K | $252K |
| Jun 2020 | $442K | $328K | $255K |
| Sep 2020 | $448K | $334K | $260K |
| Dec 2020 | $465K | $350K | $271K |
| Mar 2021 | $481K | $371K | $282K |
| Jun 2021 | $500K | $389K | $296K |
| Sep 2021 | $505K | $403K | $306K |
| Dec 2021 | $507K | $414K | $314K |
| Mar 2022 | $525K | $431K | $330K |
| Jun 2022 | $543K | $447K | $346K |
| Sep 2022 | $535K | $443K | $348K |
| Dec 2022 | $530K | $436K | $345K |
| Mar 2023 | $529K | $433K | $343K |
| Jun 2023 | $537K | $434K | $347K |
| Sep 2023 | $545K | $438K | $352K |
| Dec 2023 | $547K | $438K | $354K |
| Mar 2024 | $552K | $441K | $357K |
| Jun 2024 | $561K | $444K | $361K |
| Sep 2024 | $564K | $444K | $361K |
| Dec 2024 | $570K | $446K | $363K |
| Mar 2025 | $573K | $447K | $364K |
| Jun 2025 | $570K | $445K | $362K |
| Sep 2025 | $569K | $445K | $362K |
| Dec 2025 | $571K | $448K | $364K |
| Mar 2026 | $571K | $449K | $366K |
| Jun 2026 | $568K | $447K | $365K |
| Sep 2026 | $570K | $447K | $366K |
More about each city
- Cost of living in Washington, DC
- Cost of living in Salem, OR
- Reverse: moving from Salem to Washington
Related comparisons
What this comparison leaves out
- Taxes. State and local income, sales and property taxes can change the result a lot, especially between states.
- Neighborhoods. These are metro-wide averages; a city center and its outer suburbs can differ by more than two metros do.
- Your own spending mix. The default uses an average household. Use the housing slider above if rent is a bigger share of your budget.
- Timing. BEA price levels are for 2024; Zillow figures are monthly and newer.