56
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
59
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Portland wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Salem wins 3–1 overall (59/100)
💰 Salem is more affordable
💼 Salem has lower unemployment
🛡️ Portland has fewer disasters
📋 Portland vs Salem — The Verdict
Portland scores 56.5/100 compared to Salem's 59.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Salem has a clear edge with home prices 33% lower. Salem may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Salem are 33% lower — a difference of $173,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Salem saves you $306/month — that's $3,672 per year.
💵
Households in Portland earn $18,336 more per year (27% higher median income).
🌬️
Portland has cleaner air with an AQI 64 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$523,100
$349,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,530
$1,224
Median Income
$85,876
$67,540
The affordability gap is significant — Salem offers home prices 33% lower than Portland, translating to $173,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
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)
4 Good
68 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Portland wins on air quality with an AQI 64 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
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.
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Portland to Salem: Common Questions
Is Portland or Salem cheaper to live in?
Salem is more affordable overall. Home prices are $173,600 lower in Salem. Monthly rent is $1,224 in Salem vs $1,530 in Portland.
Does Portland or Salem have better weather?
Salem scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Portland or Salem better for finding a job?
Salem currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.2% in Portland vs 5.2% in Salem. Median household income is $85,876 in Portland and $67,540 in Salem.
Which city is safer — Portland or Salem?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Portland is safer. Portland has had 7 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Salem. Portland scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Salem.
Should I move from Portland to Salem?
Based on our data, Salem scores 59.5/100 vs Portland's 56.5/100 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.