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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Salt Lake City, UT

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.9% Salt Lake City, UT is more expensive overall
1.7% 1.7% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Austin
118
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Austin
96
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 11.1% cheaper
Austin
99
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index103105~Same
Housing118120~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$425,000$475,00011.8% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9796~Same
Utilities998811.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Salt Lake City, UT
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.65%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Salt Lake City costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Salt Lake City to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Austin979,882
Salt Lake City204,657

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Salt Lake City → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Salt Lake City →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Salt Lake City vs Portland → Salt Lake City vs Phoenix → Salt Lake City vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Salt Lake City?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $73,000 in Salt Lake City. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Utah averages 0.52%.