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

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Salt Lake City is 5% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,343/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 22%
$74,925/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 4%
$495,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 11%
$1,394/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 15%
203,888
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $3,231/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Vancouver?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Vancouver?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $3,231/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Washington?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Vancouver details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Vancouver

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 Vancouver vs. Knoxville Vancouver vs. Glendale Vancouver vs. Peoria Vancouver vs. Providence Vancouver vs. Huntington Beach Vancouver vs. Akron