Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Salem, OR

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Salem are Northeast Neighbors, North Lancaster, and South Salem. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Salem, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 27, 2026, the average rent in Salem is $1,197, which is 0.6% lower 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.

Northeast Neighbors

Average Rent

$1,104/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.1%

TransitScore® Rating

44/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

Northeast Neighbors is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northeast Neighbors is $1,104 while the city average is $1,197. This is a 0.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Roseland Center, Salem Center, and Pringle Park Plaza. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 69.

North Lancaster

Average Rent

$1,189/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Salem neighborhood on a budget, check out North Lancaster. The average rent is $1,189, compared to the city average of $1,197. Rent prices have decreased by 0.8%. North Lancaster is convenient to Bush's Pasture Park, Cascade Gateway Park, and Straub Environmental Learning Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 74.

South Salem

Average Rent

$1,212/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

27/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

South Salem is an affordable neighborhood in Salem with an average rent price of $1,212. Compare this to the city average of $1,197. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. South Salem provides easy access to A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, Candalaria Crossing, and Straub Environmental Learning Center. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 68.

Northeast Salem

Average Rent

$1,217/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

30 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Salem, Northeast Salem might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,217, while the city’s average stands at $1,197. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.5%. Northeast Salem is near Chemeketa C.C., Salem Campus, Chemeketa C.C., Yamhill Valley, and Salem Valley Shopping Center.

Morningside

Average Rent

$1,265/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.4%

TransitScore® Rating

32/100

Units Available

29 Rentals

Morningside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Morningside is $1,265 while the city average is $1,197. This is a -2.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Eola Bend Park, Bush's Pasture Park, and Western Oregon University. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 61.

Hayesville

Average Rent

$1,289/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

38/100

Units Available

39 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Salem neighborhood on a budget, check out Hayesville. The average rent is $1,289, compared to the city average of $1,197. Rent prices have decreased by 1.5%. Hayesville is convenient to Western Oregon University, Chemeketa Community College Planetarium, and Straub Environmental Learning Center. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 60.

Four Corners

Average Rent

$1,346/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

5/100

Units Available

20 Rentals

Four Corners is an affordable neighborhood in Salem with an average rent price of $1,346. Compare this to the city average of $1,197. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Four Corners provides easy access to Straub Environmental Learning Center, Rickey Street Plaza, and Bush's Pasture Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 63.

South Gateway

Average Rent

$1,359/Month

TransitScore® Rating

31/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Salem, South Gateway might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,359, while the city’s average stands at $1,197. In the last year, prices have increased by 0%. South Gateway is near Diamond Development, Bush's Pasture Park, and Wiltsey Crossing.

East Lancaster

Average Rent

$1,434/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

TransitScore® Rating

18/100

Units Available

28 Rentals

East Lancaster is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in East Lancaster is $1,434 while the city average is $1,197. This is a 1.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bush's Pasture Park, Chemeketa Community College Planetarium, and Willamette University. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.

South Central

Average Rent

$1,459/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

64 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Salem neighborhood on a budget, check out South Central. The average rent is $1,459, compared to the city average of $1,197. Rent prices have increased by 0.9%. South Central is convenient to Minto Island Park, Straub Environmental Learning Center, and Bush's Pasture Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 74.

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.