2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Brookings, OR vs Salem, OR

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Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in Brookings?
- The Median Age in Salem is 18.8 years younger than in Brookings.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or Brookings?
- Salem housing costs are 10.6% less expensive than Brookings housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or Brookings?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 7.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Brookings.

Things to do in Brookings?
Living in Brookings, OR is an incredible experience. The town is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Siskiyou National Forest, making it a great place to explore nature. With a population of just over 6,000 people, Brookings is a small but mighty community that offers plenty of things to do and see. From stunning beaches to lush forests, you can find something to do outdoors no matter what time of year it is. There are also great restaurants and shops in town, as well as several annual events like the Azalea Festival for visitors to enjoy. No matter what your interests may be, there is sure to be something for everyone in Brookings!

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Oregon is a vibrant city located in the Willamette Valley. With its close proximity to both the ocean and the mountains, Salem offers something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, kayaking, fishing and hiking in nearby parks and forests. The city is also home to a variety of museums and historical sites from the state's rich past, as well as an array of shopping centers, entertainment venues and nightlife hotspots. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or relocating for the long term, Salem has something for everyone.

 Brookings, ORSalem, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock174,193329,725,481
 Median Income$72,273  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$446,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time14.42  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Brookings    29 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Brookings Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the world and has perfect weather. I searched for a retirement home, on the beach, for nearly ten years before  More

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Over 4 years ago

Brookings is an interesting place, very nice scenery, and excellent weather. The "locals" who inhabit this place are some of the most ignorant biased people you will  More

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Retired and moved here with my husband in 2020. Best decision we ever made. Amazing weather...even the rainy days are punctuated by crisp, sunny days in the winter. Not  More

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Reviews for Salem    37 Reviews

After reading the reviews here, I had to come write my own. The problem I had with most of the reviews is that most were very opinion-based and seemed to assume everyone  More

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Moved here approx. 4 years ago from SW Michigan, but I've lived in 9 other cities & 5 other states. Salem is a very manageable sized city, with tons of parks, diverse  More

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Over 5 years ago

I'm a native 5th generation Oregonian, so bear in mind that I was born with webs between my toes! Anyway, I used to think it rained too much when I was young. Then I  More

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