Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs San Francisco, CA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs San Francisco, CA

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

41.0% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
75.0% 75.0% more expensive housing
17.3% 17.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 75.0% more
Salt Lake City
120
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 17.3% more
Salt Lake City
98
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 28.0% more
Salt Lake City
100
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 22.9% more
Salt Lake City
96
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 22.7% more
Salt Lake City
88
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10514841.0% more
Housing12021075.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$3,000122.2% more
Median Home Price$475,000$1,250,000163.2% more
Groceries9811517.3% more
Transportation10012828.0% more
Healthcare9611822.9% more
Utilities8810822.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT San Francisco, 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
San Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
San Francisco808,437

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City or San Francisco 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 75.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or San Francisco?+
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 San Francisco?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $775,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while California averages 0.71%.