Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Salt Lake City is 32% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,343/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 51%
$74,925/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 52%
$495,700 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 41%
$1,394/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 56%
203,888
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $688/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $8,256/year.

Median household income is $38,713/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Alexandria?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $688/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Alexandria?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $38,713/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Virginia?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Alexandria details →

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