Utah · Population 203,888 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Salt Lake
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Salt Lake 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 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, 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.
Common questions about living costs in Salt Lake
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