Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Los Angeles, CA

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

29.5% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
48.3% 48.3% 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 48.3% more
Salt Lake City
120
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 12.2% more
Salt Lake City
98
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 25.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 16.7% more
Salt Lake City
96
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 19.3% more
Salt Lake City
88
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10513629.5% more
Housing12017848.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,50085.2% more
Median Home Price$475,000$880,00085.3% more
Groceries9811012.2% more
Transportation10012525.0% more
Healthcare9611216.7% more
Utilities8810519.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Los Angeles, CA
State Income Tax4.65%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.10%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Los Angeles outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Los Angeles3,898,747

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Los Angeles 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 48.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Los Angeles?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $405,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while California averages 0.71%.