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Salem, MA Utility & Living Guide
Living in Salem, MA offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities in a vibrant coastal community
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
$80/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1800/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2200/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2800/mo |
| Median Home Price | $430,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.33% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
Salem’s housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new constructions. The city has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by its proximity to Boston and the tech industry. However, this growth has also led to increased housing costs and a shortage of affordable options.
Cost of Living
146
+20% above national average
105
102
105
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.33% |
| <p>State 5.2% + No County tax + Local 0% (no additional local sales tax)</p> | |
Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income tax
Family & Relocation
60
7.5/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
Salem has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and a commuter rail station
- Salem Willows Arcade and Park
- Peabody Essex Museum
- Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Salem based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Salem has strict historic district regulations and a strong focus on environmental sustainability
Financial Tools
- 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
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
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📊 Salem — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Salem tend to peak in the winter months, when heating costs are highest, and dip in the summer, when cooling costs are relatively low. However, the city's coastal location means that summer temperatures can still be quite warm, leading to increased electricity usage for air conditioning.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The city of Salem has a single ZIP code (01970) with a uniform property tax rate of 1.33%. There are no additional local surtaxes.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, making it easy to get around with a stroller. However, some areas of the city have limited elevator access in public transit, which can be a challenge for families with strollers.
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