How much would it take to live in the Salem area? (Keizer: rent, house)

[Obreezes]

My family and I are considering a move to the Salem/Keizer/Dallas area sometime next year. I will have to find work before we move. I am wondering what kind of salary I will have to have in order to support 3 adults and 1 child. We currently live in San Diego where the cost of living is VERY high. I am hoping we can live in an area where we can maintain a similar lifestyle (middle income). Any guesses as to how much I would have to make?

Thanks.

[Steve Pickering]

It depends on your lifestyle. Don't expect it to cost that much less in Oregon anywhere. Any answer would be a guess. Tell us what you need to live comfortably now and we can make a better guess.

[Obreezes]

I need about 100K now to live comfortably. That enables me to support my family in San Diego. That includes everything; mortgage, car payment, approx $400 a month electric bill, $100 a month water bill, 7-800 a month grocery bill, etc. The salary sites I've looked at says I can live on 60K a year. Do you think that's accurate?

[Steve Pickering]

Most likely yes.

But depending on what you do, don't expect to make that here.

What you will find is Job for Job, and Paycheck for Paycheck, your buying power per hour worked will remain the same, no matter where you go.

There is a reason why the cost of living is what it is, and it doesn't change. A given amount of time will be spent to have a given amount of buying power in any location.

Now where the difference comes in is if you are on a fixed income. You get just as much retirement in SD as in Tibuktu. What you can buy with it is where location comes in.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Groceries are a teeny little bit cheaper. Power will probably be more because you will run the heat more. Gasoline is a few pennies cheaper. Rent will be less.

I find it hard to believe that cost of living is 40% cheaper, though. You will find housing to be substantially less expensive, so maybe that is where all the difference is.

Salaries are a lot less.

[Silverfall]

I would think we would be less, but I don't know by how much. Yes, your salary would be less.

The median for a 3/2 1400-1600 sq foot house is just under $175,000 right now in Salem. And depending on part of town would generally rent from $900-$1300.

If you worked in Salem proper you might save lots in gas money. We have dense cities so it takes me about 20-25 minutes to get across town depending on traffic and how many lights I hit.

[Steve Pickering]

I can actually get from Dallas to Salem quicker than I can drive from the bridge to Lancaster.

[Obreezes]

How long does it take you from Dallas to Salem Steve?

[Steve Pickering]

15 minutes and sometimes 20.