Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, UT is
7.4% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, UT increase in 2024? Salt Lake City, UT area prices were up 2.3% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Salt Lake City, Utah    Salt Lake City has an area of 110.4 square miles (286 km2) and an average elevation of 4,327 feet (1,319 m) above sea level. The lowest point within t....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Utah's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $7.25 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Salt Lake City, UT

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Salt Lake City, UT by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
-19.9%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-26.1%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-0.3%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 3.8%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 15.7%

Cost of Living Comparison with Salt Lake City, UT

If you move to Salt Lake City from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToSalt Lake City, UT Cost Of Living Comparision
-79.1%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToSalt Lake City, UT Cost Of Living Comparision
-37.8%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToSalt Lake City, UT Cost Of Living Comparision
-8.0%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToSalt Lake City, UT Cost Of Living Comparision
-5.0%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToSalt Lake City, UT Cost Of Living Comparision
-45.7%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToSalt Lake City, UT Cost Of Living Comparision
-69.6%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToSalt Lake City, UT Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 0.3%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City has an area of 110.4 square miles (286 km2) and an average elevation of 4,327 feet (1,319 m) above sea level. The lowest point within the boundaries of the city is 4,210 feet (1,280 m) near the Jordan River and the Great Salt Lake, and the highest is Grandview Peak, at 9,410 feet (2,868 m). The city is in the northeast corner of the Salt Lake Valley surrounded by the Great Salt Lake to the northwest, the steep Wasatch Range to the east, and Oquirrh Mountains to the west. Its encircling mountains contain several narrow canyons, including City Creek, Emigration, Millcreek, and Par...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, UT

What stores are known for lower grocery prices?

Stores like Walmart are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Salt Lake City, UT?

I love basketball. In Salt Lake City, Utah I go to a lot of Utah Jazz games. The tickets are expensive and add to my entertainment expenses, increasing my cost of living, but it is worth it! It is so much fun to see my favorite team in person. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Salt Lake City, UT?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Salt Lake City, UT. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Is the cost of electricity in Salt Lake City, Utah expected to change in the future?

The cost of electricity in Utah has gone down by 7.404% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What kind of child care is available in Salt Lake City, Utah and what is the cost?

The estimated average annual cost for child care in Salt Lake City, Utah (based on state average), is $8641. This cost is ranked NO. 33 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Salt Lake City,UT?

In Salt Lake City,UT, my friend pays $1069 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there fun things to in Salt Lake City, Utah that are free or don’t cost a lot?

Looks for areas of Salt Lake City, Utah where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Salt Lake City, UT to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Salt Lake City, Utah?

The sales tax for Salt Lake City is 5.95%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I need to use public transportation, what is it like in Salt Lake City, Utah?

You are in luck! Salt Lake City, Utah is ranked NO. 20 in the U.S. for public transportation quality. Having a good public transit system to use will reduce travel expenses and your overall cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How long does it take to get to work in Salt Lake City, Utah on average?

Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Salt Lake City, Utah, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Salt Lake City is 34.72 minutes. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Cost of living in Salt Lake City, Utah is important, but what about the weather?

Salt Lake City, Utah is considered to have one of the COLDEST climates in the country. On average there are 113 days each year that are below freezing. Keep in mind that a cold climate could result in increased heating expenses that will impact the cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is a monthly pass for public transit in Salt Lake City, Utah?

The cost of a monthly transit pass in Salt Lake City, UT is around $83.75. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall COL ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-04-24