Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Salt Lake City is 49% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,343/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 78%
$74,925/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 47%
$495,700 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 113%
$1,394/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 77%
203,888
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,052/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $12,624/year.

Median household income is $35,148/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,052/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $35,148/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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