2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Reston, VA vs Salem, VA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Salem or is it cheaper to live in Reston?
- Salem is 43.2% less expensive than Reston.

Which city has more affordable housing, Salem or Reston?
- Salem housing costs are 61.9% less expensive than Reston housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Reston or is Health Care more affordable in Salem.
- Health related expenses are 8.8% more in Salem.
 Reston, VASalem, VAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock85.1100
 Food & Groceries111.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock111.1100
 Housing189.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$260,300$338,100
 Utilities96  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock75.5100
 Miscellaneous148.2  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Reston    21 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I have lived in Reston for three years and it is absolute paradise. The fact that it was a planned city from decades ago is still apparent to this day. With plenty of  More

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Over 10 years ago

Summers are hot and  More

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There is a vast network of bike and walking trails thoughout the city and neighborhoods. 40% of the city is slated to remain green so there are many trees, parks and  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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