2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Hickory, NC vs Salem, VA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in Hickory?
- The Median Age in Salem is 2.5 years older than in Hickory.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or Hickory?
- Salem housing costs are 1.9% more expensive than Hickory housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or Hickory?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 0.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Hickory.

Things to do in Hickory?
Hickory, North Carolina is located in Catawba county providing its citizens great recreational activities like Lake Hickory along with stores like Valley Hills Mall as well as dining spots near Concord Coffee Roasters.

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.

 Hickory, NCSalem, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,335329,725,481
 Median Income$53,117  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$255,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.76  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Hickory    8 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

Hickory is has wonderful amenities such as the science museum, children's museum, aquarium, art museum, symphony orchestra, and great universities. Its not far from  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

Hickory is a nice place to live. There are great parks here. Glen Hilton is a beautiful park with lots of play structures and tall trees nice elevated walking path.  More

   |    Reply

Cons, No ethnic diversity"... How is that a "Con"? That means it has a rich traditional culture, where most people share a interest in the same  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Hickory

Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

I am looking for property in  More

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    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.