Last update: Oct 2026 United States 155.5K

Cost of Living in Salem, OH

For one person, living costs in Salem, OH are estimated at $2,394 a month, including rent and utilities, which take almost two thirds of the total. Other living expenses average about $30 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Salem, OH

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Salem, OH actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,394 per month with rent, or $902 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,394 /mo

A couple spends around $3,399 per month with rent, or $1,507 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,399 /mo

A family of three spends around $4,405 per month with rent, or $2,112 without housing.

$4,405 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.83 $13.83
$12.84 $12.84
$29.64 $29.64
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$49.28 $49.28
$49.28 $49.28
$98.6 $98.6
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.20 $10.20
$10.19 $10.19
$12.24 $12.24
Cappuccino
$3.08 $3.08
$3.08 $3.08
$6.42 $6.42
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.13 $2.13
$1.94 $1.94
$2.67 $2.67
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 $1.57
$1.01 $1.01
$2.52 $2.52
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.02 $4.02
$4.02 $4.02
$12.06 $12.06
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.92 $3.92
$3.92 $3.92
$20.16 $20.16
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.88 $0.88
$0.67 $0.67
$1.26 $1.26
White Bread (500g)
$3.40 $3.40
$2.54 $2.54
$4.52 $4.52
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.04 $4.04
$2.18 $2.18
$6.55 $6.55
Eggs
$3.29 $3.29
$2.03 $2.03
$4.58 $4.58
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.24 $11.24
$5.56 $5.56
$35.47 $35.47
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.94 $9.94
$6.69 $6.69
$11.15 $11.15
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$16.17 $16.17
$8.76 $8.76
$19.69 $19.69
Apples (1kg)
$3.36 $3.36
$2.58 $2.58
$6.67 $6.67
Banana (1kg)
$1.43 $1.43
$1.07 $1.07
$2.48 $2.48
Oranges (1kg)
$4.48 $4.48
$2.22 $2.22
$7.33 $7.33
Tomato (1kg)
$3.65 $3.65
$2.11 $2.11
$6.44 $6.44
Potato (1kg)
$2.57 $2.57
$0.96 $0.96
$4.29 $4.29
Onion (1kg)
$1.96 $1.96
$1.08 $1.08
$3.22 $3.22
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.64 $2.64
$1.28 $1.28
$4.09 $4.09
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.26 $2.26
$1.50 $1.50
$3.02 $3.02
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.74 $9.74
$9.59 $9.59
$10.78 $10.78
Wine (Bottle)
$13.32 $13.32
$6.91 $6.91
$19.74 $19.74
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.96 $1.96
$1.56 $1.56
$2.84 $2.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.17 $3.17
$2.03 $2.03
$6.10 $6.10
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.99 $1.99
$0.99 $0.99
$1.99 $1.99
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.57 $2.57
$2.57 $2.57
$5.14 $5.14
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.45 $2.45
$1.52 $1.52
$2.45 $2.45
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$39.80 $39.80
$20.89 $20.89
$39.80 $39.80
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.02 $1.02
$0.75 $0.75
$1.08 $1.08
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$31.3K $31.3K
$27.6K $27.6K
$36.2K $36.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.2K $26.2K
$25.6K $25.6K
$26.8K $26.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$180 $180
$110 $110
$847 $847
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$59.6 $59.6
$24.51 $24.51
$77.9 $77.9
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$64.7 $64.7
$49.74 $49.74
$98.1 $98.1
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$45.61 $45.61
$21.90 $21.90
$54.7 $54.7
Cinema Ticket
$12.08 $12.08
$11.07 $11.07
$12.83 $12.83
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$495 $495
$495 $495
$3,462 $3,462
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$14.4K $14.4K
$9,112 $9,112
$19.7K $19.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.74 $45.74
$30.49 $30.49
$61.0 $61.0
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.12 $40.12
$29.08 $29.08
$45.13 $45.13
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$72.0 $72.0
$58.6 $58.6
$74.5 $74.5
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$78.8 $78.8
$50.0 $50.0
$125 $125
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,625 $1,625
$1,252 $1,252
$1,833 $1,833
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,312 $1,312
$1,009 $1,009
$1,513 $1,513
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,540 $2,540
$1,907 $1,907
$2,835 $2,835
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,113 $2,113
$1,573 $1,573
$2,457 $2,457
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,739 $2,739
$2,014 $2,014
$2,739 $2,739
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,382 $2,382
$1,863 $1,863
$2,382 $2,382
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.51
5.5
7.58

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

Last update: October 19, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Salem, OH $2,394
Accommodation & Living
$1.3K
Groceries & Markets
$358
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$304
Eating Out
$221
Clothing & Footwear
$107
Sport & Entertainment
$70
Getting Around
$23 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $358 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $49.00.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is cheaper than 93% of cities in North America

Salem, OH is more expensive than 78% globally but cheaper than 52% within North America.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
00:35 12:35 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
155,469
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 22, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

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Salem, OH Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Salem, OH - Frequently Asked Questions
How would you describe overall affordability in Salem for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Salem offers a balanced mix of small-city conveniences and manageable costs, making it a reasonable choice for short stays or longer visits. The Cost of Living in Salem, OH, United States tends to be friendlier than larger metro areas, especially when you look at housing options in quieter neighborhoods versus the downtown core, where options can be more compact or historic. Groceries, dining, and essential services generally feel accessible, and you’ll find a range of budget-friendly choices alongside occasional specialty spots. For digital nomads, reliable wifi in cafes or coworking hubs can shape value, as can seasonal crowds around local events. Tip: choose a neighborhood with walkable amenities and flexible work spots to stretch your budget while staying productive.
What does daily life look like in Salem in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
From the Salem, OH, United States living cost perspective, you can balance between renting a compact apartment near the center or a quieter street a short distance away. Start your housing search in walkable districts where groceries and cafes cluster, and consider longer leases to simplify bills. Food options range from farmers markets and casual eateries to market-fresh grocers, making cooking at home practical and budget-friendly. Public transit covers key routes, though a car helps for beyond-town trips; bike lanes and sidewalks keep short hops easy. For work-life, libraries, coffee shops, and local coworking spaces provide productive environments without a long commute. Tip: map commute times around errands to save time and energy.
What budgeting approach helps maintain quality of life in Salem, and how do you choose a neighborhood?
Quality of life in Salem hinges on neighborhood feel, access to services, and how you balance work and downtime. Start with a practical budgeting framework that separates essentials (housing, utilities, groceries) from discretionary spending (dining out, activities) and build flexibility for seasonal changes. In terms of neighborhoods, you may find quaint historic streets near parks or quieter residential pockets with easy access to schools and libraries. Seasonal rhythm matters: colder months may shift routines toward indoor hubs, while warmer seasons encourage outdoor errands and strolls. Tip: keep a loose plan for your week that weaves work, errands, and social time to stay energized.
What is the average cost of living in Salem, OH?
A single person in Salem, OH typically spends $2,394 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $902. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Why is Salem, OH so expensive to live in?
Salem, OH is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,394. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Salem, OH?
You'll want at least $3,590 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Salem, OH. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Salem, OH?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Salem, OH runs about $1,625 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,312. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Salem, OH?
Groceries in Salem, OH aren't cheap – expect to spend around $358 per month. Even basic staples are priced above global averages, and organic or imported products push the bill higher. Cooking at home still saves money versus eating out, but food is a noticeable expense here.
Is food expensive in Salem, OH?
Groceries are expensive in Salem, OH – about $358 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Salem, OH?
$2,000 in Salem, OH is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,394, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
Is Salem, OH good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Salem, OH for good reason: fast internet. Monthly costs land around $2,394 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.

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