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Hillsboro, OR vs Salem, OR
Side-by-side rent vs. buy comparison using 2026 market data — home prices, rents, price-to-rent ratios, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $500K | $440K | Salem — More Affordable |
| Average Rent | $1,785/mo | $1,571/mo | Salem — Lower Rent |
| Price-to-Rent Ratio | 23.3× | 23.3× | — |
| Median List Price | $486K | $460K | Salem — Lower List Price |
| Price per Sq Ft | $290/sqft | $252/sqft | Salem — Lower Cost/SqFt |
| Days on Market | 47 days | 65 days | Salem — Hotter Market |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to live in Hillsboro or Salem?
Hillsboro has a median home price of $500K and average rent of $1,785/mo, while Salem has a median home price of $440K and average rent of $1,571/mo.
Should I rent or buy in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro has a price-to-rent ratio of 23.3×. This suggests renting is likely more cost-effective.
Should I rent or buy in Salem?
Salem has a price-to-rent ratio of 23.3×. This suggests renting is likely more cost-effective.