Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Phoenix is 7% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,458/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 8%
$77,041/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 3%
$381,900 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 30%
$1,430/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 3%
1,624,832
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $2,116/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Phoenix or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $2,116/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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