Salem, MA vs Surprise, AZ
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.
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Surprise
71
#1038 nationally
Salem leads in walk score (70 vs 21). Surprise leads in crime level (3.0 vs 4.2). Surprise leads in cost of living index (115 vs 135).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, MA | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.6 (#1307) | 71 (#1038) |
| Population | 44,744 | 158,285 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $614,321 | $419,342 |
| Median Household Income | $79,196 | $87,756 |
| Average Commute | 30.6 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 70 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 4.2 | 3.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 135 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+20.3 | R+3.5 |
D+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
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C-
71 Score
Surprise, AZ
Mid-size Arizona city with community character
Median Home
$419,342
Population
158,285
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Southwest
View Surprise, AZ →