Cost of living in Salem city, VA
Part of the Roanoke Metro Area
Population 25,477 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Salem city
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Salem city
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Salem city
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Salem city
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Salem city
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Salem city
State and local tax rates for Virginia.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Salem city
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Salem city
What it costs to live in Salem city each month.
- Rent $948
- Energy $202
- Water $55
- Groceries $355
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $436
- State tax $155
- Rent $1,141
- Energy $242
- Water $65
- Groceries $588
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $762
- State tax $298
- Rent $1,597
- Energy $303
- Water $75
- Groceries $893
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $762
- State tax $298
Frequently asked questions about Salem city
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Salem city?
In Salem city, VA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $948 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,141 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,597 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Salem city?
In Salem city, VA, the average household income is $66,716 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,740 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Salem city?
The estimated cost of living in Salem city, VA is approximately $2,951 per month for a single person, $4,380 for a couple, $6,998 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Salem city?
The combined sales tax rate in Salem city, VA is 5.75%, which includes the Virginia state rate of 5.30% plus an average local rate of 0.45%.
Is Salem city an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Salem city, VA would need approximately $2,951 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $66,716 per year ($5,560 per month). Salem city has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Salem city?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Salem city, VA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.5% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Salem city?
The average home value in Salem city, VA is $244,800, with average annual property taxes of $2,232, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Salem city compare to other areas?
You can compare Salem city, VA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Salem city is in the Roanoke, VA metro area.
Other counties in Virginia
Browse the full list of counties in Virginia, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in VirginiaCompare Salem city with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP