Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Los Angeles is 60% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,879/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 29%
$80,366/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 7%
$879,500 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 44%
$2,055/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 32%
3,857,897
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $5,441/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $5,441/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Salt Lake City details →

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