Montgomery, AL 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.
Montgomery
77.8
#216 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 16.3). Salem leads in median household income ($68,402 vs $54,166). Montgomery leads in cost of living index (89 vs 105).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Montgomery, AL | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.8 (#216) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 195,287 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $152,082 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $54,166 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 19.9 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 16.3 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+30.7 | R+19.3 |
C+
77.8 Score
Montgomery, AL
Mid-size Alabama city with community character
Median Home
$152,082
Population
195,287
Crime
High
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Montgomery, AL →
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 →