CICostIndexUSA

Eugene, OR vs Salinas, CA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableOR
Eugene
101.6
overall index
$1,800/mo rent
CA
Salinas
109
overall index
$2,900/mo rent

Eugene is moderately cheaper than Salinas — 7.3% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Eugene, you would need $85,800 in Salinas. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+48.1%
Eugene
98.4
Salinas
145.7
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Eugene
105.3
Salinas
105.2
🚗 Transportation≈ Equal
Eugene
105.3
Salinas
105.3
🏥 Healthcare≈ Equal
Eugene
95.3
Salinas
95.3
Utilities+50.4%
Eugene
102.5
Salinas
154.2

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Eugene to see what you'd need to earn in Salinas to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Salinas, CA
$85,800
$5,800 more needed in Salinas

Formula: salary × (109 ÷ 101.6) = salary × 1.0728. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Eugene, OR

Median Home Price
$464,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,800
Housing Index
98.4
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.5×

Salinas, CA

Median Home Price
$855,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,900
Housing Index
145.7
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.6×

Salinas has 48.1% higher housing costs compared to Eugene.

Income & Job Market

Eugene, OR

Median Household Income
$73,500
Per Capita Income
$41,900
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Population
176,654
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareManufacturingTechnologyRetail

Salinas, CA

Median Household Income
$93,300
Per Capita Income
$53,200
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Population
163,542
Top Industries
AgricultureHealthcareManufacturingGovernmentEducation

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Eugene, OR
3.4×income-to-rent ratio

71% of income left after rent (median)

Salinas, CA
2.7×income-to-rent ratio

63% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.