Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Amarillo, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Salt Lake City is 70% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,343/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 22%
$74,925/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 17%
$495,700 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 62%
$1,394/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 23%
203,888
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $12,456/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Amarillo?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Amarillo?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $12,456/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

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