2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ocean Shores, WA vs Salem, OR

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Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in Ocean Shores?
- The Median Age in Salem is 27.4 years younger than in Ocean Shores.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or Ocean Shores?
- Salem housing costs are 14.7% more expensive than Ocean Shores housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or Ocean Shores?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 4.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ocean Shores.

Things to do in Ocean Shores?
Living in Ocean Shores, WA is a truly unique experience. Located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, Ocean Shores offers miles of beautiful sandy beaches, lush coastal forests, and quaint towns and villages. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as beachcombing, bird watching, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and more. In addition to its natural beauty, the city is home to an array of charming restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries that make it a favorite destination for visitors from near and far. It's also a great place to raise a family with its low crime rate and excellent schools. All told, living in Ocean Shores is a wonderful way to experience all of the beauty this state has to offer while living within a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

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.

 Ocean Shores, WASalem, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock174,193329,725,481
 Median Income$52,255  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$347,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.84  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ocean Shores    7 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

We are going on our 3rd year in OS. We love the small town feel, the low stress and feeling of safety. This is all for the winter months mind you. In the summer, it is a  More

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Over 10 years ago

Wonderful beach town.... we're going into our second year and I disagree with the grocery store comments and the weather. Yes, it rains or drizzles on occasion, but the  More

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We invested in Ocean Shores as a second home to spend our weekends after the work week stress. I'm also a property manager that works in Washington, Oregon and  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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