Cost of Living in Salem, WV

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22%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
59%
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 West Virginia National
Cost of living7885100
Groceries9797100
Health care9394100
Housing4162100
Transportation9695100
Utilities9194100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9394100
Household Items9495100
Education & Childcare8991100
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Homes For Sale In Salem, WV

property for sale

128 1/2 Valley St

Salem, WV
property for sale

298 Tipple

Salem, WV
property for sale

804 Jewelweed Rd

Bristol, WV
property for sale

12 Lynch Rd

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Salem is 8% lower than the West Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Salem is 22% lower than the national average
  • Salem housing is 59% lower than the national average
  • West Virginia general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • West Virginia state income tax is 16% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Salem

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Compare Salem, WV Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Groceries index
      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$70,348$5,862$1,641$2,111
      Renters$35,362$2,947$825$1,061

      West Virginia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      West Virginia 6% 7%

      West Virginia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      West Virginia 3% 6.5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gypsy, WV165946.2%
      Wallace, WV318946.2%
      Wolf Summit, WV127946.2%
      Spelter, WV239946.2%
      Smithfield, WV1757722.6%
      Salem, WV1,9197822.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Inverness, CO1,91916767.3%
      Atlantic Beach, NC1,91911919.3%
      Seth Ward, TX1,9198119.1%
      Pelican Narrows 184B, SK1,919n/a 
      Congress, AZ1,9201011.5%
      Salem, WV1,9197822.2%
      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.
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