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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Salt Lake City is 9% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,343/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 36%
$74,925/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 28%
$495,700 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 18%
$1,394/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 29%
203,888
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $21,332/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Richardson — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Richardson?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Richardson?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $21,332/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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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 Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater