with $100k coming in, swapping out of Chicago
changea dispatch from
salem
OR
44.94°N
123.03°W
Salem is the Oregon state capital, smaller and quieter than Portland (less than an hour north), with the Willamette River running through downtown and the surrounding Willamette Valley producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the world. The state capitol is topped by a gold-leaf pioneer statue. Cherry blossoms line the riverfront every spring. Affordable and underrated.
the verdict
below Chicago's monthly cost
You'd feel the difference in Salem. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Chicago.
a quick ledger.
$1,642/mo
24% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
8.75%
$317/mo more in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$5,962/mo
$211 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$452k
24% more expensive than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
437k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in salem.
Chicago only manages 153 of those.
Chicago hosts 1295.0× more events.
69/100
1% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Mt. Hood National Forest, 46.2 mi.
88/100
12% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
0
100% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
neighbors of salem on the map of tradeoffs:
compare salem with:
