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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Ontario

California
152

Salt Lake City is 23% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,343/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 43%
$74,925/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 11%
$495,700 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 15%
$1,394/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 41%
203,888
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $7,881/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Ontario — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Ontario?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Ontario?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $7,881/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Ontario

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 Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa