2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Bristol, VA vs Salem, VA

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Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in Bristol?
- The Median Age in Salem is 2.6 years younger than in Bristol.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or Bristol?
- Salem housing costs are 57.7% more expensive than Bristol housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or Bristol?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 1.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Bristol.

Things to do in Bristol?
Bristol, Virginia is a charming city that is situated in the Appalachian Mountains. Home to more than 18,000 people, Bristol offers its residents plenty of activities and attractions. With numerous outdoor parks and a vibrant downtown area, it's no wonder that the city was named The Birthplace of Country Music. Bristol also features a variety of festivals such as the Border Bash music festival and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Additionally, the city is home to some historic sites like Steele Creek Park and the Bristol Train Station. With its rich culture and abundance of recreational activities available, Bristol is an amazing place to live.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Virginia is a charming city located in the Roanoke Valley. With its beautiful natural views and its impressive history, Salem has plenty for visitors to explore. From hiking at Burgess Memorial Park to shopping and dining in downtown Salem, the city offers an array of activities for all ages. The History Museum of Western Virginia showcases photos and artifacts of the area’s past while the O. Winston Link Museum highlights stunning photography by local photographer O. Winston Link. With its small-town charm and diverse attractions, Salem is sure to captivate anyone looking for a unique experience in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.

 Bristol, VASalem, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,335329,725,481
 Median Income$43,879  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$165,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.06  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Bristol    7 Reviews

Eat and live on the TN side, shop on the VA side.  More

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Over 7 years ago

I’ve lived here my whole life and the crime/drug rate keeps going up. This area is starting to go downhill. Not to mention the property taxes are  More

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Lived here my whole life basically and this place is going downhill. It’s a drug area. Mostly people on meth and pills. I feel like the crime rate just keeps going up.  More

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Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

I am looking for property in  More

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Over 10 years ago

When we moved from Glen Allen VA to Salem I had read on here that cost of living including housing was cheaper. Housing is less unless you want a house bigger than 1300  More

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Over 14 years ago

Salem is a lovely town surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. Spring, Summer and Fall is exceptionally beautiful with moderate climate and lots of  More

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