47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
59
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Salem wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Salem wins 1–2 overall (59/100)
💰 Salem is more affordable
💼 Salem has lower unemployment
🛡️ Salem has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Salem — The Verdict
Salem scores 59.5/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Salem has a clear edge with home prices 58% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Salem has a notably lower disaster history with 45 fewer declarations in 20 years. Salem may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Salem are 58% lower — a difference of $473,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Salem saves you $567/month — that's $6,804 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $8,704 more per year (13% higher median income).
🛡️
Salem has experienced 45 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$349,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,224
Median Income
$76,244
$67,540
The affordability gap is significant — Salem offers home prices 58% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $473,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
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)
0
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)
54
9
Salem has a markedly lower disaster history — 45 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Salem: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Salem cheaper to live in?
Salem is more affordable overall. Home prices are $473,100 lower in Salem. Monthly rent is $1,224 in Salem vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Salem have better weather?
Salem scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Salem better for finding a job?
Salem currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 5.2% in Salem. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $67,540 in Salem.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Salem?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Salem is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Salem. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Salem.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Salem?
Based on our data, Salem scores 59.5/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Salem is more affordable, while Salem has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Salem?
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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 5, 2026.