Cost of Living in Salem, IN

Get 300+ Local Insights for Any Address in Salem, IN

Get Access to 300+ Local Data Points
A+
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
44%
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 Indiana National
Cost of living8589100
Groceries9797100
Health care9797100
Housing5672100
Transportation9696100
Utilities9896100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9994100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

Homes For Sale In Salem, IN

property for sale

3662 W Mount Zion Rd

Salem, IN
property for sale

Grandview Dr

Salem, IN
property for sale

402 S High St

Salem, IN
property for sale

E Old State Road 56

Scottsburg, IN
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Salem, IN

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Salem is 5% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Salem is 15% lower than the national average
  • Salem housing is 44% lower than the national average
  • Indiana general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Indiana state income tax is 21% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Salem

See all the best places to live around Salem

Compare Salem, IN Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Salem?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Salem?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Salem poll results

      The best places in Indiana

      Here are the best places to live in IndianaSee the best places to live in SalemCheck out the 10 safest cities in IndianaMost Dangerous States In The US
      Best Places in Indiana

      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$73,938$6,162$1,725$2,218
      Renters$29,991$2,499$700$900
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Salem, IN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Salem, the median monthly income is $73,938 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,725 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $29,991, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $700 on monthly rental expenses.

      Indiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Indiana 7% 7%

      Indiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Indiana 3.15% 3.15%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fredericksburg, IN43972.6%
      Livonia, IN788118.6%
      Saltillo, IN1638118.5%
      Campbellsburg, IN8478415.8%
      New Pekin, IN1,1868415.6%
      Salem, IN6,3828515.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Jackson, OH6,3818614.3%
      Durham, CA6,38415656.1%
      Kennett Square, PA6,38611111.5%
      Lanett, AL6,3888614.2%
      Mont Belvieu, TX6,37511514.6%
      Salem, IN6,3828515.2%
      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.
      General
      For Professionals
      Follow Us
      AV on Twitter AV on Facebook
      © AreaVibes Inc. 2010-2026