2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, VA vs Charleston, SC

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Highlights
Are people in Charleston older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Charleston is 5.3 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Charleston or Salem?
- Charleston housing costs are 89.5% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Charleston or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Charleston is 2.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Salem.

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.

Things to do in Charleston?
Charleston, South Carolina is a vibrant and beautiful city located in the southeastern United States. Here locals and visitors alike can enjoy the city’s unique culture, architecture, food, beaches and historical sites. The city offers plenty of activities from taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of historic downtown to exploring one of the many museums or visiting some of the area’s popular attractions like Fort Sumter or Patriots Point. With its excellent schools, thriving businesses and plenty of recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Charleston their home. There are also numerous dining options, shopping centers and entertainment venues available for those looking for some fun!

 Salem, VACharleston, SCUnited States
 Population  Unlock147,928329,725,481
 Median Income$66,472  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$260,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.57  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Charleston    76 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

Charleston is beautiful and unique and incredibly special. If you don't believe me, just ask Anthony Bourdain in his Parts Unknown episode - and he was an insightful  More

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Serious lack of health care and "good old boys club" whereby doctors will not even see the patient but diagnose them based on referring doctor. My sister died there for  More

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Over 5 years ago

Boy, has this once beautiful town changed...for the worse! I initially moved here 20 years ago because the people were so nice, no traffic, great choice of hospitals,  More

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