Moving from Eugene, OR to Salem, OR
It is a 67 mi drive, roughly 1h 24m, between Eugene, OR and Salem, OR. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
67 mi Β· 1h 24m by car Β· OR
Distance & route
| Route through | OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 126, OR 22 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Eugene | Salem | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.568 | 103.649 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 102.531 | 104.689 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 105.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.35 | 110.333 | 100.0 |
Eugene and Salem sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Salem run about 2.0% cheaper β ZHVI $473,231 β $436,318 (2026-03).
YoY change: Eugene -0.3%, Salem +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Eugene | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 40.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.1Β°F vs 54.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EUGENE MAHLON SWEET AP, OR US, SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Eugene | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,520 | 176,666 |
| Median household income | $63,836 | $71,900 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.7% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.64 |
Households in Salem earn about 2.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Salem MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,840 | $46,350 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,210 | $39,790 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,580 | $33,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 14,250 | $79,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,240 | $35,920 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season peaks July through September east of the Cascades β register for county emergency alerts.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Salem compare to Eugene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,750 in the Salem MSA vs $46,620 in the Eugene MSA, on total employment of 181,870 and 155,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Salem compared to Eugene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $436,318 in Salem vs $473,231 in Eugene β a 7.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Salem more expensive than Eugene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salem is 2.0% higher than Eugene (103.649 vs 101.568, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Eugene vs Salem?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,900 in Salem vs $63,836 in Eugene β a 12.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Eugene to Salem?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 67 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Salem, OR from Eugene, OR?
The driving distance is 67 mi and the route typically takes 1h 24m via I 5 and OR 126. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Eugene.
City profiles: Eugene, OR Β· Salem, OR.