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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Houston is 25% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,313/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 2%
$62,894/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 19%
$253,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 96%
$1,316/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 6%
2,300,419
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,031/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Houston or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $12,031/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 Houston or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Salt Lake City details →

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