Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Philadelphia is 27% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,323/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 2%
$60,698/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 23%
$232,400 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 113%
$1,233/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 13%
1,582,432
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,227/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $14,227/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Utah?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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