Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Dallas, TX

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

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

2.9% Dallas, TX is cheaper overall
10.0% 10.0% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Salt Lake City
96
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 18.2% more
Salt Lake City
88
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1051022.9% less
Housing12010810.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,4003.7% more
Median Home Price$475,000$340,00028.4% less
Groceries9897~Same
Transportation100101~Same
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities8810418.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Dallas, TX
State Income Tax4.65%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.10%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Dallas outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Salt Lake City to Dallas?

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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 Dallas → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Dallas →

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Dallas?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Dallas?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. 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 Dallas?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Texas averages 1.60%.