Mesa, 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.
Mesa
67
#1475 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 13.2). Mesa leads in walk score (38 vs 27). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 24.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67 (#1475) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 511,648 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $433,754 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $73,766 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 24.8 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 38 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 13.2 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | R+19.3 |
D+
67 Score
Mesa, AZ
Major Arizona city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$433,754
Population
511,648
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
38
Southwest
View Mesa, 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 →