Hollymead, VA vs Salem, VA

The cost of living difference between Hollymead, VA and Salem, VA is dramatic. Salem is 54.2% cheaper than Hollymead, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hollymead has a cost index of 129 while Salem sits at 84, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Hollymead is $1,995/month compared to $1,046/month in Salem — a 91% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salem is more affordable at $244,800 median vs $413,700.

Median household income in Hollymead is $121,795 compared to $66,716 in Salem (+82.6%). While Hollymead is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hollymead spend roughly 19.7% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in Salem.