Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Salt Lake City is 4% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,343/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 9%
$74,925/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 15%
$495,700 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 21%
$1,394/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 11%
203,888
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $11,051/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $11,051/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and New Jersey?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Elizabeth details →

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