Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Salem, OR
The 55 mi from Hillsboro to Salem translate to about 1h 16m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
55 mi Β· 1h 16m by car Β· OR
Distance & route
| Route through | OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 99E, OR 217 |
| Major cities en route | Gresham, Portland, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Salem | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 103.649 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 104.689 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 110.333 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Hillsboro (105.421) and Salem (103.649) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Salem ZHVI at $436,318 is 1.7% below Hillsboro at $522,557.
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Salem +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 40.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 176,666 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $71,900 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.64 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.7% between Hillsboro and Salem (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Salem MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,840 | $46,350 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,210 | $39,790 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,580 | $33,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 14,250 | $79,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,240 | $35,920 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season peaks July through September east of the Cascades β register for county emergency alerts.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How far is Salem, OR from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 55 mi and the route typically takes 1h 16m via I 5 and OR 99E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Salem more expensive than Hillsboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salem is 1.7% lower than Hillsboro (103.649 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro to Salem?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 55 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Salem compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $436,318 in Salem vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 16.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Salem compare to Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,750 in the Salem MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 181,870 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Salem?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,900 in Salem vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 30.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Salem, OR.