Cost of Living in Salem, WV

With a cost of living index of 55, Salem, WV is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 45% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the West Virginia state average of 73. Salem is a small community of 1,812 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Salem's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $570 (57% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $77,200 (75% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Salem is $43,690, which is 42% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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.

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.