Salem, Oregon
In Salem, Oregon, a gallon of regular gas costs $4.85 as of 2026-03-23 — $1.40 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,541, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.43% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Salem's cost-of-living index of 105 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$4.85
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$2,541
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.43%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$17.84
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.78 | $2.12 | $2.69 | $4.02 | $2.21 | +24.2% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.43 | $3.71 | $3.67 | $3.70 | $3.81 | +11.1% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.07 | $5.00 | $5.36 | $5.74 | $5.91 | +45.2% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.27 | $3.03 | $3.24 | $3.43 | $3.46 | +52.4% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.92 | $4.07 | $4.28 | $4.32 | $4.36 | +11.2% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.11 | $4.60 | $4.88 | $5.02 | $5.17 | +25.8% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.90 | $7.30 | $7.66 | $8.13 | $8.37 | +21.3% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.92 | $6.45 | $6.71 | $6.84 | $7.12 | +20.3% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.59 | $1.94 | $2.00 | $2.08 | $2.06 | +29.6% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.41 | $5.07 | $5.33 | $5.49 | $5.66 | +28.3% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.67 | $10.40 | $11.12 | $11.68 | $12.03 | +38.8% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.95 | $4.57 | $4.98 | $5.28 | $5.44 | +37.7% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.12 | $4.37 | $4.54 | $4.72 | $4.86 | +18.0% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.54 | $4.72 | $4.91 | $5.16 | $5.32 | +17.2% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.33 | $2.64 | $2.74 | $2.91 | $3.00 | +28.8% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.82 | $2.00 | $2.18 | $2.33 | $2.35 | +29.1% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.61 | $7.01 | $7.42 | $7.64 | $7.79 | +38.9% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.20 | $4.54 | $4.77 | $4.91 | $5.01 | +19.3% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.75 | $5.57 | $6.08 | $6.32 | $6.51 | +37.1% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.45 | $7.82 | $8.28 | $8.69 | $8.86 | +37.4% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$17.84
Casual Dining
$34.94
Monthly Spend
$584.13
+3.65% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $11.06
$17.84
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $12.49
$19.27
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $13.38
$19.98
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $5.67
$7.88
+39.0%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Salem?
Average 1BR: $2,310/mo · 2BR: $2,828.19/mo
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