Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Las Vegas, NV

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Las Vegas, NV

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

1.9% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
6.7% 6.7% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.7% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 4.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Salt Lake City
96
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 11.4% more
Salt Lake City
88
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index105103~Same
Housing1201126.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$475,000$380,00020.0% less
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation1001044.0% more
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities889811.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Las Vegas, NV
State Income Tax4.65%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.10%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
Las Vegas, NV
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas to maintain your Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Las Vegas646,790

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?+
Las Vegas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Las Vegas?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. Nevada has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.85%. 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 Las Vegas?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $62,000 in Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Nevada averages 0.48%.