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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Salt Lake City is 48% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,343/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 80%
$74,925/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 60%
$495,700 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 111%
$1,394/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 75%
203,888
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,081/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $12,972/year.

Median household income is $44,960/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,081/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $44,960/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Huntington Beach details →

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