Moving from Seattle, WA to Salem, OR
Relocating between Seattle, WA and Salem, OR is a 224 mi drive β 4h 31m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
224 mi Β· 4h 31m by car Β· WA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 22, OR 99E BUS |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Tacoma |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Seattle | Salem | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 103.649 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 104.689 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 110.333 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.7% moving from Seattle to Salem β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $868,680 in Seattle to $436,318 in Salem, a 6.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Seattle -2.3%, Salem +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Seattle | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.8" | 40.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.2Β°F vs 54.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Seattle | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 741,440 | 176,666 |
| Median household income | $121,984 | $71,900 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.6% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.64 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.7% β $121,984 β $71,900 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
Moving between Washington and Oregon
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oregon'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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Oregon after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Salem compared to Seattle?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $436,318 in Salem vs $868,680 in Seattle β a 49.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Seattle vs Salem?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,900 in Salem vs $121,984 in Seattle β a 41.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Salem more expensive than Seattle?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salem is 6.7% lower than Seattle (103.649 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Salem compare to Seattle?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,750 in the Salem MSA vs $65,260 in the Seattle MSA, on total employment of 181,870 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Salem, OR from Seattle, WA?
The driving distance is 224 mi and the route typically takes 4h 31m via I 5 and OR 22. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Salem?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 224 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Seattle.
City profiles: Seattle, WA Β· Salem, OR.