Moving from Salem, OR to Hillsboro, OR
The 55 mi from Salem to Hillsboro 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
| Salem | Hillsboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Hillsboro and Salem are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.649 vs 105.421); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.7% higher in Hillsboro than Salem as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Hillsboro -3.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Salem | Hillsboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 35.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.1Β°F vs 52.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Hillsboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 107,050 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $103,207 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 23.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.59 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.7% between Salem and Hillsboro (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hillsboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
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
Is Hillsboro more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hillsboro is 1.7% higher than Salem (105.421 vs 103.649, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Salem vs Hillsboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,207 in Hillsboro vs $71,900 in Salem β a 43.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Salem to Hillsboro?
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 far is Hillsboro, OR from Salem, 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.
How does the job market in Hillsboro compare to Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 181,870 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Hillsboro compared to Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $522,557 in Hillsboro vs $436,318 in Salem β a 19.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Salem.
City profiles: Salem, OR Β· Hillsboro, OR.