Phoenix, AZ vs Salem, VA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Phoenix leads in walk score (41 vs 27). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 26.7 min). Salem leads in median household income ($68,402 vs $65,891).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.7 (#1514) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 1,650,070 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $408,770 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $65,891 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 27 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 7.2 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | R+19.3 |
D
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →