Cost of Living in Salem, MO

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20%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
56%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Salem Missouri National
Cost of living8090100
Groceries9896100
Health care9997100
Housing4477100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare9295100
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Homes For Sale In Salem, MO

property for sale

4 S Martin St

Salem, MO
property for sale

Tract 4 County Rd 4215

Salem, MO
property for sale

5836 S Highway 19

Salem, MO
property for sale

Tract 3 3rd St

Salem, MO
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Salem, MO

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Salem is 11% lower than the Missouri average
  • The cost of living in Salem is 20% lower than the national average
  • Salem housing is 56% lower than the national average
  • Missouri general sales tax is 17% lower than the national average
  • Missouri state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Salem

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Compare Salem, MO Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$66,364$5,530$1,548$1,991
      Renters$30,782$2,565$718$924
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Salem, MO, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Salem, homeowners have a median income of $66,364. Using that number, a maximum of $1,548 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $30,782, which means there is a maximum of $718 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Missouri Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Missouri 4.225% 10.85%

      Missouri Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Missouri 2% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Salem, MO5,0998019.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Centreville, IL5,0987822.0%
      Richland Center, WI5,0988712.6%
      Needles, CA5,1008910.7%
      Ste. Anne, MB5,100n/a 
      Adairsville, GA5,097963.9%
      Salem, MO5,0998019.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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