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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Salt Lake City, UT

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

15.3% Salt Lake City, UT is cheaper overall
23.1% 23.1% cheaper housing
9.3% 9.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.1% cheaper
Seattle
156
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Seattle
108
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
Seattle
118
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% cheaper
Seattle
110
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 3.3% cheaper
Seattle
91
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index12410515.3% less
Housing15612023.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,35034.1% less
Median Home Price$780,000$475,00039.1% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1109612.7% less
Utilities91883.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Salt Lake City, UT
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.65%
State Sales Tax6.50%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to maintain your Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Salt Lake City204,657

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle and Salt Lake City → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Salt Lake City →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle or Salt Lake City 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 23.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Salt Lake City?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Seattle to Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 compared to $73,000 in Salt Lake City. 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 Seattle vs Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $305,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Utah averages 0.52%.