Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Boston, MA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Boston, MA

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

28.6% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
43.3% 43.3% more expensive housing
12.2% 12.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 43.3% more
Salt Lake City
120
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 12.2% more
Salt Lake City
98
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 18.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 19.8% more
Salt Lake City
96
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 27.3% more
Salt Lake City
88
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10513528.6% more
Housing12017243.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,60092.6% more
Median Home Price$475,000$700,00047.4% more
Groceries9811012.2% more
Transportation10011818.0% more
Healthcare9611519.8% more
Utilities8811227.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Boston, MA
State Income Tax4.65%9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.10%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Boston51°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Boston 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 43.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Boston?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Salt Lake City to Boston?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. 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 Salt Lake City vs Boston?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $225,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.