Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Austin is 15% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,655/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 19%
$91,461/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 18%
$512,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 3%
$1,747/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 20%
967,862
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $16,536/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $16,536/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Utah?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Salt Lake City details →

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