Cost of Living in Salem, CT
Population 4,247 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Salem is a smaller Connecticut community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $118,378 and housing costs ($373,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Salem is about 30 miles southeast of Hartford, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 72% higher than Hartford's $217,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Salem
The median home value in Salem is $373,400 — 22% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,495/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,378/year is 59% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Connecticut's top state income tax rate is 7.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 60.2°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more expensive.
Salem has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 39 | 47 | 59 | 70 | 78 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 63 | 52 | 41 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 31 | 24 |
| Precip" | 3.20 | 2.66 | 3.95 | 3.97 | 3.40 | 3.87 | 2.66 | 4.37 | 4.11 | 3.83 | 3.55 | 3.68 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salem, CT?
Salem has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, CT?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,495 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $373,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $118,378 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Salem, CT affordable?
Salem is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has average high temperatures of 60.2°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 4,247
- Median Income
- $118,378
- Home Value
- $373,400
- Median Rent
- $1,495/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Connecticut Rankings
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