Cost of Living in East Salem, PA

With a cost of living index of 79, East Salem, PA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and 4% below the Pennsylvania state average of 83. East Salem is a small community of 123 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in East Salem's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,075 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $156,300 (49% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in East Salem is $68,333, which is 9% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to East Salem. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.1°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 30°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches spread over roughly 149 days.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.