Rents are right about where Salem's 10-year trend predicts.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,561 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in Salem is at its highest level since Zillow's records here began in October 2021.
Rent in Salem changed +1.5% over the year to September 2026. Across the 14 New Hampshire cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +3.2%.
Rent has risen 5 months in a row, and rose in 9 of the last 12 months.
Haverhill, MA, 7 miles away, rents for 12% less ($2,258/mo), about $3,600 a year in savings.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Salem.
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How Salem, NH has changed in 5 years
Five years ago, renters in Salem, NH paid around $2,247 a month. That figure now sits near $2,561, up 14.0% 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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Can you afford rent in Salem on your salary?
At $2,561/mo, how Salem rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Salem rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Salem. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Salem
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Salem is $2,561/mo as of October 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 increased 1.5% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in Salem?
Is rent going up or down in Salem?
How does Salem rent compare to other cities in New Hampshire?
At $2,561/mo, rent takes ~43% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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