Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Salt Lake City is 53% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,343/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 87%
$74,925/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 115%
$495,700 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 143%
$1,394/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 86%
203,888
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,162/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $13,944/year.

Median household income is $86,375/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Bellevue?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,162/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Bellevue?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $86,375/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Washington?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Bellevue

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