2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, NC vs Wilmington, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Wilmington older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Wilmington is 10.0 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Wilmington or Salem?
- Wilmington housing costs are 155.9% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Wilmington or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Wilmington is 2.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salem.

Things to do in Salem?
Living in Salem, NC is a great experience! Salem is a quiet town nestled in the foothills of western North Carolina, and it offers its residents a peaceful atmosphere to call home. The town has plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking that residents can enjoy. There are multiple parks within the city limits and the surrounding area provides numerous opportunities for exploration. Salem also has several restaurants, bars, and shops that make it easy to socialize with friends or take a break from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities. Furthermore, the cost of living in Salem is affordable compared to other parts of North Carolina; this makes it an ideal place for families on a budget or individuals looking for a tranquil lifestyle.

Things to do in Wilmington?
Wilmington, North Carolina is a coastal city located just off the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its historic downtown and award-winning beachfront, Wilmington is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. Boasting plenty of cultural activities such as the Cameron Art Museum and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, it's easy to find entertainment in this vibrant city. With a variety of restaurants, boutiques and galleries, there's no shortage of things to do in Wilmington. With gorgeous beaches and beautiful scenery surrounding the city, you can easily see why visitors love spending time in Wilmington!

 Salem, NCWilmington, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock115,976329,725,481
 Median Income$54,750  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$145,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.48  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salem    0 Reviews

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Reviews for Wilmington    71 Reviews

I was born here and I will update more at a later time. First and most important, teh average cost of a 1br apt in Wilmington is approximately $1,800. Rentals have  More

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I think that a lot has changed since covid for this city and will continue to keep changing with our insane economy. But I was born and raised in Wilmington and have  More

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Scotty · 

Wilmington NC was once a wonderful city filled with Southern charm, history, safety and natural beauty. Recently that has been replaced by erasing everything Southern or  More

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