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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Forest or is it cheaper to live in Salem?
- Forest is 10.0% more expensive than Salem.

Which city has more affordable housing, Forest or Salem?
- Forest housing costs are 41.7% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Salem or is Health Care more affordable in Forest.
- Health related expenses are 5.9% less in Forest.
 Salem, VAForest, VAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock93.6100
 Food & Groceries98.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock104.6100
 Housing72.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$369,200$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock72.5100
 Miscellaneous124.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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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Reviews for Forest    1 Reviews

I moved to Forest a little over a year ago. I have to say that the peace and quiet agrees with me. I love the beautiful scenic view, the lack of crowds, and the  More

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