2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Palmer, AK vs Salem, OR

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in Palmer?
- The Median Age in Salem is 5.2 years older than in Palmer.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or Palmer?
- Salem housing costs are 13.6% more expensive than Palmer housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or Palmer?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 8.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Palmer.

Things to do in Palmer?
Living in Palmer, AK is a unique experience. The small town atmosphere and friendly locals make it a great place to call home. The outdoors offer countless activities, from hiking to fishing and hunting, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Alaskan wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, including local trails and nearby parks and recreation areas. Shopping in Palmer is also convenient with an array of stores to choose from. Public transportation makes getting around easy whether you need to get to Anchorage or Wasilla. Overall, Palmer is a wonderful place to live with its small-town charm and proximity to so many outdoor attractions.

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.

 Palmer, AKSalem, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock174,193329,725,481
 Median Income$62,068  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$351,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Palmer    3 Reviews

The first time I saw Palmer was in 1974. It's grown up from the old days of farm country complete with 4-H clubs, fields of crops and livestock. Gone are most of the  More

   |    Reply

Over 19 years ago

The four months of cold and dark. Winter lasts about 8 months, but the real cold, dark lasts about 4 months. It is getting harder and harder to deal with as I get  More

   |    Reply

Over 19 years ago

I have lived in Palmer for 11 years. I love everything about it except about four months of the dark, cold winters. The people are  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palmer

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Salem


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.