59
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Virginia Beach wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Virginia Beach wins 0–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Virginia Beach is more affordable
💼 Virginia Beach has lower unemployment
📋 Salem vs Virginia Beach — The Verdict
Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 compared to Salem's 59.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. Virginia Beach has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.6%.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Salem saves you $344/month — that's $4,128 per year.
💵
Households in Virginia Beach earn $20,004 more per year (30% higher median income).
📊
Virginia Beach has a 1.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Virginia Beach has cleaner air with an AQI 45 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$349,500
$343,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,224
$1,568
Median Income
$67,540
$87,544
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 2% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
3.6%
Virginia Beach has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.6 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
68 Moderate
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Virginia Beach wins on air quality with an AQI 45 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Salem to Virginia Beach: Common Questions
Is Salem or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Virginia Beach is more affordable overall. Home prices are $5,800 lower in Virginia Beach. Monthly rent is $1,224 in Salem vs $1,568 in Virginia Beach.
Does Salem or Virginia Beach have better weather?
Virginia Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Salem or Virginia Beach better for finding a job?
Virginia Beach currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.2% in Salem vs 3.6% in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $67,540 in Salem and $87,544 in Virginia Beach.
Which city is safer — Salem or Virginia Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Virginia Beach is safer. Salem has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Virginia Beach. Salem scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Virginia Beach.
Should I move from Salem to Virginia Beach?
Based on our data, Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 vs Salem's 59.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Virginia Beach is more affordable, while Virginia Beach has a better climate.
Planning to move from Salem to Virginia Beach?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: July 22, 2026.