Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Salt Lake City and West Palm Beach have a similar cost of living.

$1,343/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 27%
$74,925/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 8%
$495,700 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 25%
$1,394/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 20%
203,888
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $5,664/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $5,664/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Florida?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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