Portland-South Portland vs Salem
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Salem is 1% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,137/mo vs $1,145/mo in Portland-South Portland — saving $96/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Portland-South Portland | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $765 | $741 | $24 |
| 1 Bedroom | $906 | $913 | $7 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,145 | $1,137 | $8 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,402 | $1,411 | $9 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,638 | $1,615 | $23 |
| Median Income | $58,824 | $53,953 | $4,871 |
Portland-South Portland
- Studio
- $765/mo
- 1 BR
- $906/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,145/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,402/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,638/mo
- Median Income
- $58,824/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 Portland-South Portland or Salem cheaper to rent in?
Salem is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,137/mo vs $1,145/mo in Portland-South Portland. That's $8/mo or $96/year more expensive in Portland-South Portland (1% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Portland-South Portland vs Salem?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Portland-South Portland is $1,145/month. In Salem, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,137/month.
How do incomes compare between Portland-South Portland and Salem?
The median household income in Portland-South Portland is $58,824/year. In Salem it is $53,953/year. Portland-South Portland has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Portland-South Portland vs Salem?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Portland-South Portland is $765/mo. In Salem it is $741/mo.