A quick read on this comparison

Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.

Best for affordability: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.

Biggest tradeoff: Salem, Oregon

Salem, Oregon is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on climate comfort, weaker on sunshine.

Potential dealbreaker: Salem, Oregon

Salem, Oregon needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on tax burden.

Comparison Matrix

City	Salem View Map	Albuquerque View Map
Route	Get Directions
General Info
Population	175,535	559,121
Population Density	3.6k /sq mi	3.0k /sq mi
Elevation	161 ft(49 m)	4,957 ft(1,511 m)
Housing & Wealth
Median Home	$427,939	$335,186
Median Rent	$1,638	$1,474
Median Income	$67,540	$61,503
Rent Burden	29%	29%
Climate & Risks
Sunny Days	269 days/yr	353 days/yr
Avg. High	64°F	71°F
Comfort Score	70/100Good	53/100Mixed
Temp Swing	40°F	48°F
Annual Rainfall	49"(124 cm)	9"(23 cm)
Annual Snowfall	4"(10 cm)	6"(15 cm)
Air Quality	AQI 31 (Avg)0 days > 100	AQI 45 (Avg)16 days > 100
Infrastructure & Lifestyle
Walk Score	31	45
Transit Score	N/A	51
Safety Score	64 / 100	40 / 100
School Rating	4.6/10	6/10
Flood Risk (FEMA)	minimalMinimal Risk	minimalMinimal Risk
Fire Risk (FEMA)	minimalMinimal	minimalMinimal
Internet Access	Fiber: 12%Cable: 94%	Fiber: 1%Cable: 99%
Demographics
Median Age	35.9 years	38 years
College Educated	31%	38%
Remote Workers	12%	11%
Nature Access
Local Nature & Reserves	Finding...	Finding...
Scouting & Local Help
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner.	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Salem Book a scouting trip	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Albuquerque Book a scouting trip

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