$100k salary, packing up from Mobile
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
the monthly premium over Mobile
Salem costs meaningfully more. Whether it earns that back in the day-to-day is the actual question.
a quick ledger.
$1,642/mo
26% more expensive than Mobile(vs $1,302/mo)
8.75%
$312/mo more in state tax than Mobile
vs 5% in Mobile
$5,962/mo
$653 less than Mobile
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$452k
133% more expensive than Mobile
vs $194k in Mobile
437k
vs 412k in Mobile
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in salem.
Mobile actually gets more: 225 pleasant days a year.
Lighter on events: Mobile packs 24.0× more into a month.
69/100
17% higher than Mobile
vs 59/100 in Mobile
Closest outdoor draw: Mt. Hood National Forest, 46.2 mi.
88/100
28% higher than Mobile
vs 69/100 in Mobile
0
100% fewer than Mobile
vs 5 nonstops in Mobile
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