Cost of Living in Salem, MO
Population 4,673 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $39,200, median household incomes in Salem land roughly 47% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators.
Geographically, Salem lies roughly 100 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, St. Louis. Median home values run roughly 47% 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 $97,200 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $593/month, 55% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,200/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 37 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 63% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salem, MO?
Salem has a cost index of 37 (100 = national average). It is 63% below the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, MO?
The median gross rent in Salem is $593 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $97,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $39,200 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Salem, MO affordable?
Yes, Salem is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 37 — about 63% below the US national average of 100.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 4,673
- Median Income
- $39,200
- Home Value
- $97,200
- Median Rent
- $593/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
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