Boston vs Salem
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Boston
Salem
💡 The Verdict
Salem is 38% cheaper than Boston overall. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $46,759 in Salem.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Boston (left) vs Salem (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Boston versus Salem. Differences shown from Boston perspective.
| Item | Boston | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $2,180/mo | $1,050/mo | +$1130.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $2,800/mo | $1,470/mo | +$1330.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $3,740/mo | $1,950/mo | +$1790.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.28 | $3.01 | +$0.27 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.92 | $4.06 | $-0.14 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.68 | $3.67 | +$0.01 |
| Coffee (latte) | $6.03 | $6.15 | $-0.12 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.50 | $3.33 | +$0.17 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20.49 | $15.41 | +$5.08 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Boston has the same purchasing power as $46,759 in Salem.
Conversely, $75,000 in Salem equals $120,297 in Boston.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $2249 difference is driven by Oregon having a higher state income tax rate. Massachusetts details → · Oregon details →
Reading These Numbers: Boston (162) vs Salem (101)
Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while Salem at 101 is 1% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Boston, the composite index of 162 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 242, followed by groceries (108), utilities (126), transportation (107), and healthcare (118). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $2,800/mo in Boston and $1,470/mo in Salem, the annual rent difference is approximately $15,960.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $79,800.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $254,000.0 difference in median home prices between Boston and Salem translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Boston vs Salem
Choosing between Boston and Salem involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Boston and Salem can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.