Columbia vs Salem
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbia is 23% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $927/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem — saving $2,520/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $741 | $97 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $913 | $142 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $1,137 | $210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $1,411 | $233 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $1,615 | $274 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $53,953 | $881 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/yr
Salem
- Studio
- $741/mo
- 1 BR
- $913/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,411/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,615/mo
- Median Income
- $53,953/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Salem cheaper to rent in?
Columbia is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $927/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem. That's $210/mo or $2,520/year more expensive in Salem (23% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Salem?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Salem, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,137/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Salem?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Salem it is $53,953/year. Salem has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Salem?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Salem it is $741/mo.