Cost of Living: West Valley City, UT vs Arvada, CO (2026)

West Valley City

Utah
109
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

West Valley City is 28% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,445/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 25%
$88,604/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 28%
$377,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 59%
$1,473/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 32%
137,955
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Valley City, UT and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $24,792/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Valley City is $377,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Valley City vs Arvada — common questions

Is West Valley City or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Valley City and Arvada?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,445/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, West Valley City or Arvada?
Median household income is $88,604 in West Valley City and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $24,792/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Colorado?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to West Valley City or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,445/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View West Valley City details → View Arvada details →

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