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Rent vs Buy in Salem, OR

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Salem. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$355,000

Median Rent/Month

$1,550

Property Tax Rate

1.01%/yr

Avg Appreciation

3.2%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$355,000
20% ($71,000)
$1,550
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Salem, OR?

The decision to rent or buy in Salem, Oregon depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $355,000 and median monthly rent of $1,550, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Salem has an average property tax rate of 1.01% annually, which adds approximately $299/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Salem have appreciated at roughly 3.2% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Salem Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $71,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $1,888/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $299/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $296/mo