Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Salt Lake City is 23% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,343/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 34%
$74,925/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 51%
$495,700 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 21%
$1,394/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 40%
203,888
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $38,471/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Arvada — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Arvada?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Arvada?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $38,471/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Colorado?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Arvada details →

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