2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Boston, MA vs Salem, MA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in Boston?
- The Median Age in Salem is 5.0 years older than in Boston.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or Boston?
- Salem housing costs are 22.9% less expensive than Boston housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or Boston?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 0.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Boston.

Things to do in Boston?
Boston, Massachusetts is a bustling metropolitan city with plenty to offer. From the renowned Freedom Trail and Fenway Park to the scenic Charles River and Beacon Hill, visitors of all ages will find something to do in this historic city. Tour Harvard University or take a walk through the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill and see why it's known as one of America's most charming cities. From art and history museums to sports venues and delicious seafood restaurants, Boston has it all for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Massachusetts is situated in Essex county and gives residents plenty of culture attractions from Salem Witch Museum to House Of Seven Gables Museum Store along with various restaurants like Flying Saucer Pizza Company

 Boston, MASalem, MAUnited States
 Population  Unlock44,452329,725,481
 Median Income$81,744  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$656,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.44  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

health care in the country, plenty of jobs, gorgeous architecture, cool neighborhoods, lots of great restaurants, and always something to do. The beautiful coast, the  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in/near Boston my whole life almost. It has many pros such as a big city feel, extremely safe, reliable train transportation, great food. However any pro  More

   |    Reply

I moved to MA from the country of Georgia in eastern Europe. Then traveled quite a bit in the U.S. Boston definitely has its own flavor. Suburbs offer okay schools,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Boston

Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

I've been in Salem, Massachusetts for a year now because it brought me up here for my husband's job. Salem may be a great place to visit during Halloween but other  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

My husband and I move to Salem, MA from Long Island NY five years ago and we love it! We kept on visiting for Halloween and we just decided to move here for the hell of  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

We are family friendly, albeit strange. We celebrate Halloween for a month. Check out the Haunted Happenings  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Salem


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.