Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Salt Lake City, UT

Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

6.2% Salt Lake City, UT is cheaper overall
9.1% 9.1% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.1% cheaper
Denver
132
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation 4.8% cheaper
Denver
105
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Denver
104
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 8.3% cheaper
Denver
96
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index1121056.2% less
Housing1321209.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,35016.7% less
Median Home Price$540,000$475,00012.0% less
Groceries101983.0% less
Transportation1051004.8% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities96888.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Salt Lake City, UT
State Income Tax4.40%4.65%
State Sales Tax2.90%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Denver713,252
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 Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 9.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Salt Lake City?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Utah averages 0.52%.