Utah · Population 203,888 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Salt Lake City
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Salt Lake City is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 117 (where 100 equals the national median), Salt Lake City residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,343/month while earning a median household income of $74,925/year.
The median home value in Salt Lake City, UT is $495,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,394 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Utah has a moderate income tax rate of 4.65%. Combined with a 6.1% sales tax rate and 0.58% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Salt Lake City.
Common questions about living costs in Salt Lake City
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT with 299 other major U.S. cities