56
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
59
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Salem wins 1–1 overall (59/100)
💰 Salem is more affordable
💼 Salem has lower unemployment
🛡️ Salem has fewer disasters
📋 Eugene vs Salem — The Verdict
It's a close call — Eugene (56/100) and Salem (59.5/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Salem has a clear edge with home prices 14% lower.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Salem are 14% lower — a difference of $56,500 in median home value.
💵
Households in Salem earn $6,059 more per year (10% higher median income).
🛡️
Salem has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$406,000
$349,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,269
$1,224
Median Income
$61,481
$67,540
Salem edges out Eugene on housing costs by 14%, a difference of $56,500. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
5.2%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
59 Moderate
68 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
12
9
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Eugene to Salem: Common Questions
Is Eugene or Salem cheaper to live in?
Salem is more affordable overall. Home prices are $56,500 lower in Salem. Monthly rent is $1,224 in Salem vs $1,269 in Eugene.
Does Eugene or Salem have better weather?
Salem scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Eugene or Salem better for finding a job?
Salem currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.2% in Eugene vs 5.2% in Salem. Median household income is $61,481 in Eugene and $67,540 in Salem.
Which city is safer — Eugene or Salem?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Salem is safer. Eugene has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Salem. Eugene scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Salem.
Should I move from Eugene to Salem?
Based on our data, Salem scores 59.5/100 vs Eugene's 56.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Salem is more affordable, while Salem has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.