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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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 cheaper overall
14.3% 14.3% more expensive housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.3% more
Chicago
105
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 12.9% cheaper
Chicago
101
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index107105~Same
Housing10512014.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,35020.6% less
Median Home Price$310,000$475,00053.2% more
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103966.8% less
Utilities1018812.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Salt Lake City, UT
State Income Tax4.95%4.65%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Salt Lake City outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
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 Chicago 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Salt Lake City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Salt Lake City?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $165,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Utah averages 0.52%.