Salem, OR vs San Jose, CA
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.
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
San Jose
63
#1807 nationally
San Jose leads in median household income ($142,891 vs $67,540). Salem leads in cost of living index (115 vs 198). Salem leads in average commute (22.7 min vs 28.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, OR | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.1 (#1465) | 63 (#1807) |
| Population | 177,432 | 983,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $440,726 | $1,391,204 |
| Median Household Income | $67,540 | $142,891 |
| Average Commute | 22.7 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 51 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 198 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.0 | D+40.0 |
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 →
D
63 Score
San Jose, CA
Capital of Silicon Valley
Median Home
$1,391,204
Population
983,489
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Jose, CA →