Phoenix, AZ vs Salem, OR
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
Salem leads in average commute (22.7 min vs 26.7 min). Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 115). Salem leads in median household income ($67,540 vs $65,891).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.7 (#1514) | 67.1 (#1465) |
| Population | 1,650,070 | 177,432 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $408,770 | $440,726 |
| Median Household Income | $65,891 | $67,540 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 22.7 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 42 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 14.6 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | R+2.0 |
D
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →
D+
67.1 Score
Salem, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$440,726
Population
177,432
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Salem, OR →