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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Salt Lake City is 29% more expensive than College Station.

$1,343/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 13%
$74,925/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 31%
$495,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 34%
$1,394/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 10%
203,888
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $23,149/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs College Station — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and College Station?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or College Station?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $23,149/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and College Station

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