Cost of Living in Salem, IA

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17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Iowa National
Cost of living8389100
Groceries9597100
Health care9896100
Housing5274100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9695100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9694100
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Homes For Sale In Salem, IA

property for sale

500 W Cherry St

Salem, IA
property for sale

206 N Main St

Salem, IA
property for sale

1712 335th St

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Salem is 7% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Salem is 17% lower than the national average
  • Salem housing is 48% lower than the national average
  • Iowa general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Iowa state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Salem

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Compare Salem, IA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      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$80,065$6,672$1,868$2,402
      Renters$35,209$2,934$821$1,056

      Iowa Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Iowa 6% 7%

      Iowa Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Iowa 4.4% 6%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hillsboro, IA1947723.2%
      Farmington, IA6597920.9%
      Bonaparte, IA4718019.9%
      Rome, IA737921.3%
      Mount Union, IA1407920.7%
      Salem, IA5078317.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clarkedale, AR5071077.4%
      Round Valley, CA50711919.0%
      Hawkeye, IA5078119.2%
      Stanhope, IA5078218.4%
      Cerulean, KY5077921.5%
      Salem, IA5078317.1%
      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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