$100k a year, no longer in Springfield
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 cost of moving past Springfield
Salem costs meaningfully more. Whether it earns that back in the day-to-day is the actual question.
a quick ledger.
$1,642/mo
31% more expensive than Springfield(vs $1,249/mo)
8.75%
$337/mo more in state tax than Springfield
vs 4.7% in Springfield
$5,962/mo
$731 less than Springfield
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$452k
69% more expensive than Springfield
vs $268k in Springfield
437k
vs 491k in Springfield
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in salem.
Springfield only manages 170 of those.
But the calendar thins out: Springfield stays 16.0× busier.
69/100
38% higher than Springfield
vs 50/100 in Springfield
Closest outdoor draw: Mt. Hood National Forest, 46.2 mi.
88/100
1% lower than Springfield
vs 89/100 in Springfield
0
100% fewer than Springfield
vs 9 nonstops in Springfield
cities that play in salem's register:
compare salem with:
