Cost of Living in Salem, NJ
Population 5,315 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Salem's median household income of $40,650 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (31% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Salem is about 35 miles southwest of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Philadelphia's $232,000.
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 $69,300 — 77% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $992/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,650/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 64.8°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 20.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 41 | 44 | 53 | 64 | 74 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 79 | 67 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 63 | 68 | 67 | 59 | 47 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.23 | 2.83 | 4.16 | 3.51 | 3.57 | 4.67 | 4.41 | 3.98 | 4.38 | 3.68 | 3.06 | 3.85 |
| Snow" | 6.1 | 7.8 | 3.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.9 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salem, NJ?
Salem has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, NJ?
The median gross rent in Salem is $992 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $69,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $40,650 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Salem, NJ affordable?
Yes, Salem is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has average high temperatures of 64.8°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Average annual snowfall is 20.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 5,315
- Median Income
- $40,650
- Home Value
- $69,300
- Median Rent
- $992/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data