Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Denver is 26% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,770/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 24%
$91,681/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 18%
$586,700 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 16%
$1,839/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 24%
713,734
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.65%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $16,756/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $16,756/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Utah?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Salt Lake City

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso 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