Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Atlanta is 4% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,617/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 17%
$81,938/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 9%
$420,600 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 18%
$1,695/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 18%
499,287
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $7,013/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Atlanta or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $7,013/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Utah?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Salt Lake City details →

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