Cost of Living in Salem, VA
Population 25,477 · Virginia · 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 $245,000, rents near $1,046 a month.
Geographically, Salem lies roughly 80 miles north of the nearest major metro, Winston-Salem. Median home values run roughly 18% higher than Winston-Salem's $208,000.
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 $244,800 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,046/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,716/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 68.5°F and lows of 47.6°F, with about 14.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Salem has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less 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 | 47 | 51 | 59 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 88 | 87 | 80 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F | 29 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 55 | 63 | 67 | 66 | 59 | 48 | 38 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.17 | 2.89 | 3.51 | 3.49 | 4.31 | 4.66 | 4.28 | 3.37 | 4.06 | 2.96 | 3.04 | 3.08 |
| Snow" | 4.3 | 4.8 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.2 |
💨 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, VA?
Salem has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Salem, VA?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,046 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $244,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem is $66,716 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salem, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salem is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Salem, VA affordable?
Yes, Salem is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has average high temperatures of 68.5°F and average lows of 47.6°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8". Average annual snowfall is 14.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Salem at a Glance
- Population
- 25,477
- Median Income
- $66,716
- Home Value
- $244,800
- Median Rent
- $1,046/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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Virginia Rankings
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