Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Salt Lake City is 11% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,343/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 15%
$74,925/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 14%
$495,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 34%
$1,394/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 1%
203,888
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $10,485/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Clearwater?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Clearwater?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $10,485/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Florida?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Clearwater details →

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