Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Salem, OR

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Salem are Morningside, North Lancaster, and Hayesville. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Salem, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of July 29, 2025, the average rent in Salem is $1,193, which is 0.5% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Morningside

Average Rent

$1,138/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

32/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Salem, Morningside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,138, while the city’s average stands at $1,193. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.9%. Morningside is near Chemeketa C.C., Salem Campus, Minto Island Park, and Western Oregon University.

North Lancaster

Average Rent

$1,241/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

18 Rentals

North Lancaster is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Lancaster is $1,241 while the city average is $1,193. This is a -0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Willamette University, Chemeketa C.C., Salem Campus, and A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 74.

Hayesville

Average Rent

$1,346/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.2%

TransitScore® Rating

38/100

Units Available

61 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Salem neighborhood on a budget, check out Hayesville. The average rent is $1,346, compared to the city average of $1,193. Rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. Hayesville is convenient to Western Oregon University, Bush's Pasture Park, and A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 60.

South Gateway

Average Rent

$1,346/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.8%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

20 Rentals

South Gateway is an affordable neighborhood in Salem with an average rent price of $1,346. Compare this to the city average of $1,193. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.8%. South Gateway provides easy access to Diamond Development, Eola Bend Park, and Joryville Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 55.

Sunnyslope

Average Rent

$1,362/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

18 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Salem, Sunnyslope might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,362, while the city’s average stands at $1,193. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Sunnyslope is near Eola Bend Park, Southgate Shopping Center, and Joryville Park.

East Lancaster

Average Rent

$1,368/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.1%

TransitScore® Rating

18/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

East Lancaster is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in East Lancaster is $1,368 while the city average is $1,193. This is a 3.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bush's Pasture Park, Chemeketa C.C., Salem Campus, and A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.

Lancaster Estates

Average Rent

$1,423/Month

Units Available

19 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Salem neighborhood on a budget, check out Lancaster Estates. The average rent is $1,423, compared to the city average of $1,193. Lancaster Estates is convenient to Spong's Landing Park, Straub Environmental Learning Center, and Western Oregon University.

Reimann Gardens

Average Rent

$1,423/Month

Units Available

19 Rentals

Reimann Gardens is an affordable neighborhood in Salem with an average rent price of $1,423. Compare this to the city average of $1,193. Reimann Gardens provides easy access to Chemeketa C.C., Yamhill Valley, Willamette University, and Spong's Landing Park.

South Central

Average Rent

$1,453/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

23 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Salem, South Central might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,453, while the city’s average stands at $1,193. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.7%. South Central is near Western Oregon University, Willamette University, and Candalaria Crossing.

West Salem

Average Rent

$1,472/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

11 Rentals

West Salem is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Salem is $1,472 while the city average is $1,193. This is a -2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Glen Creek Crossing, Chemeketa C.C., Salem Campus, and Keizer Rapids Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 57.

Ready to make your move to Salem? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.