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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Salt Lake City is 2% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,343/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 21%
$74,925/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 4%
$495,700 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 15%
$1,394/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 11%
203,888
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $2,718/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Tempe — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Tempe?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Tempe?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $2,718/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Arizona?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Tempe details →

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