Cost of Living in Salem, NH
Population 30,646 · New Hampshire · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Salem lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $439,000 — 44% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in New Hampshire. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Salem sits roughly 11 miles northeast of Lowell. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Lowell's $395,000.
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 $438,500 — 44% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,487/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,339/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Hampshire charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 59.4°F and lows of 40.9°F. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 132 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 35 | 38 | 45 | 58 | 69 | 77 | 83 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 28 | 38 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 62 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 25 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.44 | 3.42 | 3.60 | 3.39 | 3.99 | 3.48 | 3.04 | 3.75 | 4.10 | 3.52 | 3.32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salem, NH?
Salem has a cost index of 132 (100 = national average). It is 32% above the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, NH?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,487 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $438,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $101,339 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, NH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 0.0%. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
Is Salem, NH affordable?
Salem is above average in cost of living, with an index of 132 — about 32% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 30,646
- Median Income
- $101,339
- Home Value
- $438,500
- Median Rent
- $1,487/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Hampshire Rankings
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