City Report · NH

Salem

·4th most expensive in New Hampshire·Salem rents have dropped 9.2%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$2,591/mo
Year-over-Year
-9.2%
Month-over-Month
-2.5%
vs US Median
+$626
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Salem · $2,591
More expensive than 82% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
75/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Salem's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,591/mo
Expected by trend
$2,953/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Salem's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,320
1 BR
$1,460
2 BR
$1,920
3 BR
$2,310
4 BR+
$2,550
Research median
$1,920/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$31,092/yr
At $2,591/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 9.2% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-9.2% YoY, -2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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2022 vs 2026

How Salem, NH has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,523 → $2,591
up 2.7%

Five years ago, renters in Salem, NH paid around $2,523 a month. That figure now sits near $2,591, up 2.7% from the 2022 baseline. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Salem, NH reflects that arc in its own way.

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View Salem rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Salem on your salary?

At $2,591/mo, how Salem rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Salem rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Salem. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Salem

About renting in Salem, NH

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Salem is $2,591/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,320/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,920/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,460/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,310/mo.

At 43% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Salem ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 9.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Salem an affordable city for renters?

Salem is considered stretched for renters. At $2,591/mo, rent takes approximately 43% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Salem significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Salem?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $104,000/year (~$50/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,591/mo in Salem.

Is rent going up or down in Salem?

Rent in Salem has decreased 9.2% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Salem rent compare to other cities in New Hampshire?

Salem is one of the pricier cities in New Hampshire for rent, ranking #4 out of 18 tracked cities at $2,591/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Salem?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Salem ($2,591/mo): Dracut ($2,328/mo), Haverhill ($2,345/mo), Lawrence ($2,347/mo).

How does Salem rent compare to the national average?

Salem's median rent of $2,591/mo is $626 (32%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Hampshire, it ranks #4 out of 18 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
43%
STRETCHED

At $2,591/mo, rent takes ~43% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Salem 43%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Salem
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Salem, NH

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