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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Salt Lake City is 17% more expensive than Denton.

$1,343/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ≈ Same
$74,925/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 2%
$495,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 34%
$1,394/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 5%
203,888
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,206/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Denton — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Denton?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Denton?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $1,206/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Denton

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