Cost of Living in Salem, IL

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15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
50%
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 Illinois National
Cost of living8598100
Groceries100100100
Health care98100100
Housing5095100
Transportation100101100
Utilities10299100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare99100100
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Homes For Sale In Salem, IL

property for sale

219 E William St

Salem, IL
property for sale

300 W Allmon St

Salem, IL
property for sale

514 Roddy Rd

Salem, IL
property for sale

314 S Franklin St

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Salem is 14% lower than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Salem is 15% lower than the national average
  • Salem housing is 50% lower than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Salem

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Compare Salem, IL 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$83,709$6,976$1,953$2,512
      Renters$36,461$3,038$851$1,094
      The affordability of the housing market in Salem, IL as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Salem homeowners, the median income is $83,709. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,953 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $36,461. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $851 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Walnut Hill, IL1147822.3%
      Kell, IL1467821.9%
      Alma, IL3077921.4%
      Wamac, IL1,2718020.3%
      Dix, IL5518019.7%
      Salem, IL7,2598515.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      McNab/Braeside, ON7,260n/a 
      Pike Creek, DE7,26312525.1%
      Nibley, UT7,26311615.6%
      Commerce, GA7,252963.9%
      Elkins, WV7,2678613.8%
      Salem, IL7,2598515.5%
      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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