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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Salt Lake City is 30% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,343/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 62%
$74,925/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 63%
$495,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 22%
$1,394/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 60%
203,888
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $837/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $10,044/year.

Median household income is $47,304/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $837/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $47,304/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Elk Grove

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