Cost of Living in Salem, MA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,320 (excluding rent), and $3,428 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,130 (excluding rent), and $6,072 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$24.71 $24.71

$19.77 $19.77

$34.59 $34.59

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.1 $99.1

$59.4 $59.4

$99.1 $99.1

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.83 $10.83

$9.85 $9.85

$11.82 $11.82

Cappuccino

$5.08 $5.08

$4.07 $4.07

$6.1 $6.1

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.47 $2.47

$1.98 $1.98

$2.97 $2.97

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 $2.15

$1.48 $1.48

$2.97 $2.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.9 $7.9

$4.94 $4.94

$7.9 $7.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.17 $7.17

$6.14 $6.14

$8.19 $8.19

Milk (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$0.95 $0.95

$1.62 $1.62

White Bread (500g)

$4.29 $4.29

$3.23 $3.23

$5.36 $5.36

Rice (white) (1kg)

$8.66 $8.66

$2.05 $2.05

$8.66 $8.66

Eggs

$4.2 $4.2

$2.91 $2.91

$4.85 $4.85

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.27 $14.27

$10.98 $10.98

$17.55 $17.55

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.3 $14.3

$6.12 $6.12

$19.79 $19.79

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.64 $8.64

$23.8 $23.8

Apples (1kg)

$4.59 $4.59

$2.82 $2.82

$6.57 $6.57

Banana (1kg)

$1.28 $1.28

Oranges (1kg)

$3.33 $3.33

$2.21 $2.21

$8.86 $8.86

Tomato (1kg)

$8.7 $8.7

$6.52 $6.52

$10.88 $10.88

Potato (1kg)

$4.36 $4.36

$2.16 $2.16

$6.54 $6.54

Onion (1kg)

$2.35 $2.35

$1.79 $1.79

$4.31 $4.31

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.52 $2.52

$2.01 $2.01

$3.01 $3.01

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.6 $3.6

$1.23 $1.23

$3.6 $3.6

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.71 $9.71

$8.1 $8.1

$12.15 $12.15

Wine (Bottle)

$13.2 $13.2

$12.18 $12.18

$18.29 $18.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$1.69 $1.69

$2.79 $2.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.12 $7.12

$1.63 $1.63

$7.12 $7.12

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.53 $2.53

$1.27 $1.27

$2.53 $2.53

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$55.6 $55.6

$40.41 $40.41

$70.7 $70.7

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.54 $3.54

$3.04 $3.04

$5.06 $5.06

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.61 $1.61

$1.54 $1.54

$2.15 $2.15

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.73 $29.73

$26.89 $26.89

$35.65 $35.65

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.84 $0.84

$1.3 $1.3

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30K $30K

$24K $24K

$36.6K $36.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26K $26K

$25.4K $25.4K

$27.4K $27.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$172 $172

$132 $132

$212 $212

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$89.7 $89.7

$29.88 $29.88

$99.6 $99.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$83 $83

$69.8 $69.8

$99.6 $99.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.17 $43.17

$25.4 $25.4

$61 $61

Cinema Ticket

$14.95 $14.95

$14.69 $14.69

$15.2 $15.2

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,316 $1,316

$1,014 $1,014

$1,872 $1,872

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.9K $23.9K

$17.1K $17.1K

$27.8K $27.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$71.2 $71.2

$44.91 $44.91

$99.8 $99.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$57.6 $57.6

$35.07 $35.07

$80.2 $80.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.8 $95.8

$83.9 $83.9

$108 $108

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$101 $101

$75.7 $75.7

$126 $126

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,384 $2,384

$2,015 $2,015

$3,022 $3,022

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,002 $2,002

$1,629 $1,629

$2,546 $2,546

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,806 $3,806

$2,829 $2,829

$5,053 $5,053

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,818 $2,818

$2,188 $2,188

$3,481 $3,481

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,387 $5,387

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,917 $4,917

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$9,632 $9,632

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Salem, MA - Frequently Asked Questions

The Cost of Living in Salem, MA, United States gives you a practical middle ground between larger metro hubs and quieter coastal towns. You’ll find a mix of historic rentals and modern apartments, with prices and rents that climb closer to the downtown core or the waterfront, especially during peak seasons. Outside the busiest areas, everyday costs for groceries, dining, and services stay reasonable compared with major cities, while still offering easy access to beaches, parks, and culture. Seasonal influxes shape pace and availability, but thoughtful neighborhood choices – downtown, the rail-adjacent blocks, or quieter residential streets – keep daily life comfortable for travelers, expats, and nomads. Tip: Plan ahead for peak tourism and explore flexible housing options.

Daily life in Salem blends walkable streets, café culture, and solid transit links to Boston. For housing, start near Downtown or the central rail line, then widen search to nearby neighborhoods for more space or quieter blocks. Grocery shopping ranges from local markets to larger chains; you’ll also find farmers’ markets in season. Commuting is reasonable if you use the MBTA rail or bus network, and bike-friendly streets make casual rides practical. As you compare options, note that Salem living cost can shift with tourism and events, so plan for variable short-term leases and seasonal utilities. Tip: Build a flexible budget around housing and transport.

Budgeting for Salem means prioritizing core needs (housing, utilities, food) and building flexibility for seasonal shifts in activity. Start with a rough framework: housing in or near downtown for walkability, or a quieter street a short transit ride away for more space. For groceries and dining, mix local markets with occasional treats at cafes along the waterfront. Seasonal events draw crowds, so factor in accommodation or coworking space changes during peak times. When choosing a neighborhood, look for easy transit access, nearby parks, and a calm, safe feel after business hours. Tip: use a month-by-month plan that tracks recurring costs and occasional extras to stay on course.