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Salem, UT Utility & Living Guide

Salem is a city in Utah County, Utah. It is part of the Provo–Orem metropolitan area. The population was 9,298 at the time of the 2020 U.S. census. Landmark locations in Salem include the Dream Mine of John Hyrum Koyle and the Salem Pond.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$310/mo

1BR Rent$1100/mo

Sales Tax7.25%

COL Index108 (+8% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$380,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Salem

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Salem

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Rocky Mountain Power

🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Dominion Energy

💧 Water

$40/mo

Salem City Water

🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Salem City Sanitation

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$310/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2000/mo
Median Home Price	$380,000
Property Tax Rate	0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo	$900

The housing market in Salem is relatively stable, with a mix of new developments and established neighborhoods. Home prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Rentals are also available, but options may be limited.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	7.25%
Property Tax Rate	0.8%
<p>State 5.95% + County 0.55% + City 0.75%</p>

Utah has a 4.95% state income tax rate, with no local income taxes

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+10% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in tech, manufacturing, and agriculture

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, growth management, public safety

🚌 Transit for Families

Salem has limited public transit options, but sidewalks and parks are generally stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Spanish Fork Canyon
🎯
Salem Pond
🎯
Utah Lake State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of old and new homes, with easy access to parks and amenities. The northwest part of the city has newer developments with larger lots and modern homes.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Salem based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Salem has ordinances regulating lawn care, pet ownership, and home businesses

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
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📊 Salem — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electricity bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months have higher gas bills for heating. Overall, utility costs in Salem are relatively stable throughout the year.