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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Downey

California
169

Salt Lake City is 31% cheaper than Downey.

$1,343/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 41%
$74,925/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 17%
$495,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 47%
$1,394/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 43%
203,888
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $12,475/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Downey — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Downey?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Downey?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $12,475/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Downey details →

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