Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Salt Lake City is 11% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,343/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 32%
$74,925/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 7%
$495,700 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 8%
$1,394/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 28%
203,888
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $5,010/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $5,010/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Florida?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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