Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Salt Lake City is 51% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,343/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 104%
$74,925/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 69%
$495,700 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 110%
$1,394/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 89%
203,888
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,399/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $16,788/year.

Median household income is $51,544/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Cambridge?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,399/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Cambridge?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $51,544/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Massachusetts?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Cambridge details →

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