Cost of Living in Salem, NC

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11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 North Carolina National
Cost of living8996100
Groceries98100100
Health care10299100
Housing6788100
Transportation9699100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare96100100
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Homes For Sale In Salem, NC

property for sale

4262 Boulder Dr

Morganton, NC
property for sale

156 Oakdale Dr

Morganton, NC
property for sale

Lot 1 Magnolia Pl

Morganton, NC
property for sale

104 Buena Vista Dr

Morganton, NC

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Salem is 8% lower than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Salem is 11% lower than the national average
  • Salem housing is 33% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Salem

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Compare Salem, NC Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$85,177$7,098$1,987$2,556
      Renters$0$0$0$0

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Casar, NC3688317.3%
      Icard, NC2,1868713.2%
      Connelly Springs, NC2,3468712.8%
      Gamewell, NC3,9868712.6%
      Lenoir, NC18,5358812.5%
      Salem, NC1,5368911.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Inverness, CA1,536238138.5%
      Salina, OK1,5368614.4%
      Newfield, NJ1,53511313.3%
      Falls City, OR1,5351043.8%
      Catawissa, PA1,5359010.4%
      Salem, NC1,5368911.3%
      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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