Salem, SD vs Wilmot, SD

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wilmot is 26.5% cheaper than Salem. With a cost index of 57 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wilmot to Salem should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Salem is $880/month compared to $642/month in Wilmot — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilmot is more affordable at $68,600 median vs $163,500.

Median household income in Salem is $71,655 compared to $61,563 in Wilmot (+16.4%). The higher salaries in Salem partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Salem spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, more than the 12.5% in Wilmot.