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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Salt Lake City is 62% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,343/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 122%
$74,925/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 132%
$495,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 208%
$1,394/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 119%
203,888
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,642/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $19,704/year.

Median household income is $98,745/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,642/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $98,745/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville