2026 Compare Cities Education:
Charlotte, NC vs Salem, VA

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Highlights
- Salem spends 4.4% more per student than Charlotte.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 13.8% lower in Salem than in Charlotte. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Salem had 3.9% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Charlotte
 Charlotte, NCSalem, VAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$13,163$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$9,703  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,246$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio16.21  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7604573
 Students per Counselor307  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock2.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.5.0%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock93.2%88.9%
 Some College Educ.19.2%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock13.2%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.45.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock9.8%9.3%
 Professional Degree2.9%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Charlotte    305 Reviews

My favorite city to live year round with 4 seasons. We love Charlotte  More

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Over 4 years ago

This city has a lot of potential, but it could use some work. For example, it seems to lack things that other cities have. And there is a lack of atmosphere and charm.  More

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Over 5 years ago

Very new transplant (~6 weeks) so first impressions and reasons why I moved here: -great year-round weather, if you don't mind humidity-- less hot in summer than TX/AZ  More

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Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

I am looking for property in  More

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Over 11 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 15 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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