Cost of living in Salem
Salem, the capital city of Oregon, offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Understanding the cost of living in Salem is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14.5 on average, with a range between $9 and $17.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $55 to $125.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $11, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2.2 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.9 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.97 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.42.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.19 to $6.5, averaging $4.31.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.65 to $5.49 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $4.41 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $3.28 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.39 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.6 and $1.65, with a monthly pass priced at $40.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.9 and $1.11 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.5, with a cost of $1.24 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1833.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1300 to $1800, averaging $1633.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2800 to $3000, averaging $2933.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2100 to $2200, averaging $2166.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3003.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $3003.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $125 and $533.71, averaging $188.39.
- Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $99, with an average cost of $71.17.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Salem offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and competitive housing prices compared to larger cities.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with public transport and fuel prices being quite reasonable.
Grocery prices are consistent with national averages, making it manageable for residents to maintain a balanced budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Salem, OR, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles. With reasonable housing and transportation costs, it is an attractive option for those seeking a blend of urban and suburban living.
Whether you're planning to move or just curious about the expenses, understanding Salem's cost of living can help you make informed financial decisions.