Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Boston is 50% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$2,093/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 36%
$94,755/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 21%
$710,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 30%
$2,176/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 36%
663,972
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $750/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $9,000/year.

Median household income is $19,830/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 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

Boston vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $750/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $19,830/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Utah?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Salt Lake City

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta