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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Seattle is 68% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,998/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 33%
$121,984/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 39%
$912,100 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 46%
$2,220/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 37%
741,440
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $47,059/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Seattle or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $47,059/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Utah?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Salt Lake City

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville 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