Cost of Living in Salem, IL
Population 7,341 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Salem sits on the smaller end of the Illinois city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. A poverty rate near 20% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Salem is about 70 miles east of St. Louis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
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 $99,800 — 67% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $752/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,083/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salem, IL?
Salem has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, IL?
The median gross rent in Salem is $752 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $99,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $57,083 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Salem, IL affordable?
Yes, Salem is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 7,341
- Median Income
- $57,083
- Home Value
- $99,800
- Median Rent
- $752/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs