Salem Lakes, WI vs West Salem, WI

Salem Lakes, WI and West Salem, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.7% difference in their overall index. Salem Lakes scores 93 while West Salem scores 88 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Salem Lakes is $1,132/month compared to $1,142/month in West Salem — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Salem Lakes has cheaper rent, West Salem actually has lower median home values ($269,300 vs $281,500).

Median household income in Salem Lakes is $94,554 compared to $90,991 in West Salem (+3.9%). The higher salaries in Salem Lakes partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Salem Lakes spend roughly 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 15.1% in West Salem.