Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Salt Lake City is 13% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,343/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 7%
$74,925/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 9%
$495,700 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 24%
$1,394/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 5%
203,888
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $6,547/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $6,547/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and East Los Angeles

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo