Home › Compare › Phoenix, AZ vs Salt Lake City, UT

Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

5.0% Salt Lake City, UT is more expensive overall
13.2% 13.2% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.2% more
Phoenix
106
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Phoenix
98
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Phoenix
101
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Phoenix
95
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 18.5% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index1001055.0% more
Housing10612013.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,3505.5% more
Median Home Price$370,000$475,00028.4% more
Groceries9898~Same
Transportation101100~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1088818.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Salt Lake City, UT
State Income Tax2.50%4.65%
State Sales Tax5.60%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
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 Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 13.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $70 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Salt Lake City?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Utah averages 0.52%.