Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Philadelphia, PA

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

2.9% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
8.3% 8.3% cheaper housing
8.2% 8.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.3% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 8.2% more
Salt Lake City
98
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 12.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 9.4% more
Salt Lake City
96
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 22.7% more
Salt Lake City
88
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1051082.9% more
Housing1201108.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,50011.1% more
Median Home Price$475,000$280,00041.1% less
Groceries981068.2% more
Transportation10011212.0% more
Healthcare961059.4% more
Utilities8810822.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax4.65%3.07%
State Sales Tax6.10%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

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

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Philadelphia1,603,797

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Philadelphia 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 8.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Philadelphia?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $195,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.