2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, VA vs Richmond, VA

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Highlights
Are people in Richmond older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Richmond is 6.4 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Richmond or Salem?
- Richmond housing costs are 25.7% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Richmond or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Richmond is 2.3 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 Richmond?
Richmond, Virginia is a vibrant city with plenty of activities for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will love visiting Maymont Park or Belle Isle for some nature-filled fun. Meanwhile, art and history buffs can explore the exhibits at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the Virginia Historical Society. Sports fans can cheer on teams like the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team and the Richmond Spiders football team. Those looking to explore some local cuisine should visit Broad Street Market while music lovers can take in a show at The National. From outdoor adventures to cultural exploration, there's something for everyone in Richmond!

 Salem, VARichmond, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock225,676329,725,481
 Median Income$66,472  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$260,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.1%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 Richmond    109 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Lived here for a year and it’s not perfect but it’s constantly improving now (areas redevloped, more businesses, job growth). Cost of living is great compared to  More

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Over 4 years ago

We love Richmond so much that when we talk about where we'd like to live if we could live anywhere in the US, we always come back to RVA. We live in the city proper  More

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Over 4 years ago

I'm an out-of-towner but am coming up on 1 year in Richmond. I would summarize it this way: the best thing and the worst thing about Richmond is its location. I'll  More

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