Cost of Living in Salem, MA
Population 44,241 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Salem cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $497,000, rents near $1,800 a month.
Geographically, Salem is part of the immediate Lynn metro area. Housing prices track closely with Lynn's $473,000 median.
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 $497,400 — 63% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,800/month, 37% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,137/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 153 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% more expensive.
🏠 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salem, MA?
Salem has a cost index of 153 (100 = national average). It is 53% above the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, MA?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,800 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $497,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $85,137 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Salem, MA affordable?
Salem is above average in cost of living, with an index of 153 — about 53% higher than the national average.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 44,241
- Median Income
- $85,137
- Home Value
- $497,400
- Median Rent
- $1,800/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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