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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Salt Lake City is 15% more expensive than Provo.

$1,343/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 14%
$74,925/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 16%
$495,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 12%
$1,394/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 12%
203,888
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $12,125/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Utah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Provo — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Provo?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Provo?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $12,125/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Utah?
Both cities are in Utah and share the same state tax rates: 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Provo details →

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