Moving from Salem, OR to Concord, CA
Relocating 572 mi from Salem to Concord is a 10h 59m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
572 mi Β· 10h 59m by car Β· OR β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | OR β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 99E, I 505 |
| Major cities en route | Eugene, Sacramento, Fairfield, Vallejo, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salem | Concord | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Concord runs about 11.5% more expensive overall than Salem β RPP 103.649 β 115.613.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $436,318 in Salem to $742,769 in Concord, a 11.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Concord -3.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salem | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 16.1" |
Expect 7.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 124,260 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $109,195 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 26.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.5% β $71,900 β $109,195 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Concord MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Salem vs Concord?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $109,195 in Concord vs $71,900 in Salem β a 51.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Salem to Concord?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 572 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Concord more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Concord is 11.5% higher than Salem (115.613 vs 103.649, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Concord compared to Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $742,769 in Concord vs $436,318 in Salem β a 70.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Concord compare to Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Concord MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 181,870 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Concord, CA from Salem, OR?
The driving distance is 572 mi and the route typically takes 10h 59m via I 5 and OR 99E. The trip crosses 2 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 Salem.
City profiles: Salem, OR Β· Concord, CA.