Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Sacramento, CA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Sacramento, CA

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

12.4% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
18.3% 18.3% more expensive housing
6.1% 6.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.3% more
Salt Lake City
120
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 6.1% more
Salt Lake City
98
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 12.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% more
Salt Lake City
96
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Salt Lake City
88
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10511812.4% more
Housing12014218.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$475,000$450,0005.3% less
Groceries981046.1% more
Transportation10011212.0% more
Healthcare9610812.5% more
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Sacramento, 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
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Sacramento to maintain your Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Sacramento524,943

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or Sacramento 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 18.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Sacramento?+
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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while California averages 0.71%.