on $100k a year, leaving Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia's monthly cost
Money-wise it's a wash. The case for Salem is everything that isn't rent.
a quick ledger.
$1,642/mo
12% cheaper than Philadelphia(vs $1,869/mo)
8.75%
$161/mo more in state tax than Philadelphia
vs 6.82% in Philadelphia
$5,962/mo
$66 more than Philadelphia
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$452k
15% more expensive than Philadelphia
vs $393k in Philadelphia
437k
vs 6.2M in Philadelphia
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in salem.
Philadelphia only logs 173 pleasant days.
Lighter on events: Philadelphia packs 185.0× more into a month.
69/100
0% lower than Philadelphia
vs 69/100 in Philadelphia
Closest outdoor draw: Mt. Hood National Forest, 46.2 mi.
88/100
12% lower than Philadelphia
vs 100/100 in Philadelphia
0
100% fewer than Philadelphia
vs 122 nonstops in Philadelphia
neighbors of salem on the map of tradeoffs:
compare salem with:
