Madison Heights, VA vs Salem, VA

Madison Heights is moderately more affordable than Salem, with a 14.5% lower cost of living index. Madison Heights scores 72 compared to 84 for Salem, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Salem can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Madison Heights is $826/month compared to $1,046/month in Salem — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Madison Heights is more affordable at $181,300 median vs $244,800.

Median household income in Madison Heights is $62,727 compared to $66,716 in Salem (-6%). Salem does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Madison Heights spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 18.8% in Salem.