Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Reno is 4% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,453/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 8%
$78,448/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 4%
$498,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$495,700 ≈ Same
$1,482/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 6%
268,959
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $3,523/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Reno 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $3,523/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Utah?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Salt Lake City

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