Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, UT
Population 203,888 · Utah · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Salt Lake City cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $496,000, rents near $1,343 a month.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Salt Lake City
The median home value in Salt Lake City is $495,700 — 63% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,343/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,925/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Utah's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 5.9%. The climate averages highs of 64.9°F and lows of 44.4°F, with about 51.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 45 | 55 | 62 | 73 | 84 | 94 | 92 | 81 | 66 | 51 | 39 |
| Low °F | 24 | 29 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 68 | 67 | 56 | 44 | 33 | 25 |
| Precip" | 1.43 | 1.30 | 1.75 | 2.16 | 1.82 | 0.95 | 0.49 | 0.58 | 1.06 | 1.26 | 1.32 | 1.40 |
| Snow" | 12.7 | 10.7 | 5.9 | 2.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 7.0 | 12.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT?
Salt Lake City has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.
What is average rent in Salt Lake City, UT?
The median gross rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Salt Lake City?
The median home value in Salt Lake City is $495,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Salt Lake City?
The median household income in Salt Lake City is $74,925 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Salt Lake City, UT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Salt Lake City is 5.9%. The Utah state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Salt Lake City, UT affordable?
Salt Lake City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has average high temperatures of 64.9°F and average lows of 44.4°F. Annual precipitation is 15.5". Average annual snowfall is 51.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Salt Lake City at a Glance
- Population
- 203,888
- Median Income
- $74,925
- Home Value
- $495,700
- Median Rent
- $1,343/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Utah Rankings
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