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

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

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

8.6% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
23.3% 23.3% cheaper housing
4.1% 4.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.3% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 4.1% cheaper
Salt Lake City
98
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Salt Lake City
96
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 20.5% more
Salt Lake City
88
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index105968.6% less
Housing1209223.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,20011.1% less
Median Home Price$475,000$295,00037.9% less
Groceries98944.1% less
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9695~Same
Utilities8810620.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Houston, 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
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Houston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Houston70°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Houston2,304,580

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 23.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Houston?+
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 Houston?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Houston?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $180,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Texas averages 1.60%.