Salem is located in Virginia and has an overall cost of living that is -3% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Salem.

Housing: Median rent in Salem is $1,553 / month, and the median home price is $517,517. Housing costs are -3% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($3.99), milk ($4.63), and eggs ($4.57) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -3% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($153.06), dentist visits ($122.95), and prescription drugs ($22.16). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Virginia has a state income tax rate of 5.75%, which affects take-home pay for Salem residents.

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Salem, Virginia Cost of Living FAQ

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Salem, Virginia has an overall cost of living that is -3% the national average. Housing costs are -3% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -3% vs average. Utilities are +13% vs average. This makes Salem a reasonably affordable city.

The median rent in Salem, Virginia is $1,553 / month. Average energy bills run $248.31 / month. Phone bills average $221.52 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Salem: doctor's visit averages $153.06, dentist visit averages $122.95, prescription drugs average $22.16. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -3% grocery cost difference.

Salem is one of 92 cities tracked in Virginia. With an overall cost -3% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our Virginia state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Salem offers cost of living -3% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $517,517, rent of $1,553 / month, and a state income tax of 5.75% in Virginia. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Salem fits your budget.