2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, OR vs Seattle, WA

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Highlights
Are people in Seattle older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Seattle is 0.4 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Seattle or Salem?
- Seattle housing costs are 106.5% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Seattle or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Seattle is 5.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Salem.

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.

Things to do in Seattle?
Seattle, Washington is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Enjoy stunning views of the Cascade Mountains or take a stroll down the iconic Pike Place Market and sample some of the best seafood around. Take in the sights at the Space Needle or explore history by visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails within city limits, as well as many parks and gardens to explore. With its eclectic culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and abundance of activities, Seattle offers something for all kinds of travelers!

 Salem, ORSeattle, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock726,054329,725,481
 Median Income$62,185  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$399,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.62  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Seattle    321 Reviews

I have lived here since 1975, I moved here from California but was born and raised in Michigan. I would have to say that I never regretted leaving Michigan and their  More

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Over 3 years ago

I’ve lived in Seattle for just under 7 years and while it can be a stunningly beautiful place, I am very excited to leave. I’ll start with some of the positive aspects.  More

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if you can afford it, Seattle is a very nice place to live and raise a family! however, it is extremely expensive and in the winter, it's rather gloomy. i love gloomy  More

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