Discover the Average Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, Utah

The cost of living in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a key factor for anyone considering a move to this city, known for its breathtaking mountain views, outdoor recreation, and thriving economic hub. But what is the actual Salt Lake City cost of living? Whether you’re planning a budget for everyday basics or buying a home, understanding how much living expenses in Salt Lake City (or SLC) are—and how they compare to the national average—can help you decide if this dynamic spot is the place to call home.

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, Utah

• Housing Costs in Salt Lake City, Utah

• Other Living Expenses in Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Salt Lake City

  • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Salt Lake City

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Salt Lake City

  • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Salt Lake City

  • Tax Rates in the Salt Lake City Area

  • Recreation Costs in Salt Lake City, Utah

• Average Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

• Salt Lake City Cost of Living Comparison

• Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Salt Lake City by Neighborhood

• Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Conclusion

Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, Utah

The average cost of living in Salt Lake City, Utah, is 9% higher than both the Utah state average and the national average, according to RentCafe® as of March 2025. From housing to groceries, transportation, and taxes, everyday expenses in Salt Lake City can add up, which helps make it beneficial to understand how much income you need to live comfortably.

To keep up with these costs, a single adult needs to earn roughly $24.16 per hour or $41,998 annually (after taxes) to cover basic expenses, per the MIT® Living Wage calculator as of February 2025. For a household of two working adults and two children, the required living wage rises to about $28.20 per hour per adult or $101,694 annually combined. 

Housing Costs in Salt Lake City, Utah

Whether you choose to rent or buy, housing is a significant factor in the Salt Lake cost of living. Salt Lake City’s housing market can be competitive, with homes receiving an average of two offers and selling within 56 days, per Redfin® as of February 2025. The median sale price of a home in Salt Lake City averages $572K, with a median price per square foot of $354, a 3.8% increase from one year ago.

For apartments, the average rent in Salt Lake City, Utah, is slightly over $1,400 per month, which is about 8% lower than the national average of $1,559 monthly, reports Apartments.com® as of March 2025. Average rental costs vary based on the type of unit:

• Studio: $1,188/month

• One-bedroom: $1,435/month

• Two-bedroom: $1,815/month

• Three-bedroom: $2,255/month

Other Living Expenses in Salt Lake City, Utah

In addition to housing expenses, planning for the standard cost of living in Salt Lake City per month is essential to making an informed financial decision about living here. Here’s a breakdown of other Salt Lake City living expenses to help you budget effectively, including groceries, dining, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Salt Lake City

As of March 2025, grocery prices in Salt Lake City are on par with the national average, according to RentCafe, and here’s what you can expect to pay for a few pantry staples:

• Bread (one loaf): $4.25

• Milk (one gallon): $4.71

• Eggs (dozen): $3.78

• Potatoes (one pound): $4.42

MIT finds that the annual food cost for a single adult in Salt Lake City is around $4,218 in February 2025, while a household of four (two working parents and two kids) spends around $12,365.

When you’d like to enjoy a meal elsewhere, Salt Lake offers plenty of options. As of March 2025, Numbeo® reports that if you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive bite to eat, you may pay about $19.50. Should you prefer a more upscale restaurant experience, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range spot will add up to about $82.50. A fast food run averages $11.50.

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Salt Lake City

Commuting in Salt Lake City can be relatively affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas, with multiple options for getting around. If you drive, gasoline prices average around $3.38 per gallon, making it slightly lower than fuel costs in some other major cities, per RentCafe (March 2025). Routine maintenance, such as a tire balance service, typically costs about $75. 

For those who prefer public transportation, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates a well-connected system, including buses, TRAX light rail, and the FrontRunner commuter train. These transit options make it possible to navigate the city without relying on a car, particularly for those who work downtown or live near transit hubs. For $85, an adult monthly pass offers you access to unlimited rides on buses and TRAX, while passes for FrontRunner and Express Bus cost more. 

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Salt Lake City

Healthcare is another essential factor in the cost of living in Salt Lake, Utah, and RentCafe finds these expenses are 4% lower in SLC than the national average as of March 2025. RentCafe also reports that a standard doctor’s visit costs around $129.36, while a dental appointment averages $104.73. For specialized care, an optometry check-up runs about $117.33, and everyday over-the-counter necessities like ibuprofen cost around $10.80 per bottle. According to MIT, as of February 2025, annual healthcare expenses are estimated at $3,013 for a single adult, while a household of four can expect to pay around $8,898. 

While insurance coverage may help offset some of these expenses, out-of-pocket costs should be factored into your budget when evaluating the Salt Lake cost of living. And if you need to include health insurance costs in your calculations, ValuePenguin® shares that these expenses average $675 monthly in 2025, though several state plans are available and vary in cost depending on your needs. 

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Salt Lake City

Utility expenses are an unavoidable part of the SLC cost of living. On average, as of March 2025, residents pay about $175 per month on their energy bills, which can fluctuate depending on the season, reports RentCafe. Winters in Salt Lake City can be cold, leading to higher heating bills, while summers remain fairly mild, keeping cooling costs more manageable.

Additionally, phone service averages around $192.75 per month, which is slightly higher than in some cities but can vary based on plan choices. As for internet fees, CNET® finds that monthly plans can range from $50–$90 as of January 2025, though some providers may offer plans as low as $19. When planning your move, it's wise to compare providers and package deals so you get the best rates for essential utilities. 

Tax Rates in the Salt Lake City Area

While the city’s tax rates aren't the highest in the country, they do contribute to the overall SLC cost of living. Utah has a relatively moderate tax structure compared to other states, but it’s still important to factor into your budget. The Tax Foundation states that Utah has a flat 4.55% income tax rate in 2025. MIT estimates that annual taxes for a single adult in Salt Lake City amount to $8,247, while a household of four pays approximately $15,616.

Property taxes in Utah remain reasonable, especially when compared to states like California or Texas, with the Tax Foundation finding Utah levies a 0.47% rate on owner-occupied homes. Avalara® reports the combined sales tax rate for Salt Lake City is 8.25%, which includes a state sales tax of 4.85% and a Salt Lake City sales tax of 1.0%.

Recreation Costs in Salt Lake City, Utah

One of the major draws of living in Salt Lake City is its access to affordable outdoor recreation. With stunning mountains and nearby ski resorts, locals have plenty of ways to enjoy nature without breaking the bank. If you opt for a day on the slopes in Park City, prepare to pay around $275 for a lift ticket. For indoor entertainment, a movie ticket typically costs around $13.61, and if you enjoy fitness, a yoga class is about $22.80 per session, according to RentCafe. 

Average Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

Income levels in Salt Lake City can be competitive, especially in industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance. As of January 2025, ZipRecruiter® reports the average annual salary in Salt Lake City is $61,766, which translates to approximately $29.70 per hour or $5,147 per month. 

Salaries vary widely based on experience and industry, with most falling between $44.3K and $77.5K. Compared to other cities, Salt Lake City offers strong earning potential and a cost of living that, while higher than the national average, is still more affordable than many other metro areas.

Salt Lake City Cost of Living Comparison

When considering a move to Salt Lake City, comparing its cost of living with other major cities can be helpful. Here’s how a few cities compare to Salt Lake City as of February 2025, using the cost of living calculator from NerdWallet®.

Salt Lake City, UT vs. Houston, TX

• Housing: 53% higher in Salt Lake City

• Food: 1% higher in Salt Lake City

• Healthcare: 3% higher in Salt Lake City

• Overall cost of living: Salt Lake City is 15% higher than Houston.

Salt Lake City, UT vs. Phoenix, AZ

• Housing costs: 12% higher in Salt Lake City

• Food: 4% lower in Salt Lake City

• Healthcare: 5% higher in Salt Lake City

• Overall cost of living: Salt Lake City is 8% higher than Phoenix.

Salt Lake City, UT vs. Denver, CO

• Housing costs: SLC and Denver are on par with each other. 

• Food: 4% lower in Salt Lake City

• Healthcare: 1% higher in Salt Lake City

• Overall cost of living: SLC is just 1% higher than Denver.

Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Salt Lake City by Neighborhood

Buying a new construction home in Salt Lake City, UT, is a vital factor in the area’s cost of living, and SLC offers a range of new build homes, from modern townhomes to spacious single-family residences. Prices vary by location, with some neighborhoods offering affordable starter homes and others featuring luxury estates with scenic views. Let’s look at the average cost to build a new home in some of the best Salt Lake City neighborhoods and suburbs.

Holladay

As one of the oldest communities in Utah, Holladay offers both historic and modern allure, making it one of the more desirable places to live in the Salt Lake Valley. Holladay offers stunning views, tree-lined streets, and a peaceful, suburban atmosphere while conveniently close to Downtown Salt Lake City. Holladay is known for its elegant homes, mature landscapes, and thriving local scene, including unique boutiques, trendy coffee shops, and standout restaurants like Franck’s and Taqueria 27. Whether you're drawn to its historic character, luxury homes, or proximity to outdoor activities, Holladay remains a highly sought-after destination in Utah. As of February 2025, NewHomeSource® reports that building a new home near Holladay ranges between the mid $300Ks and high $700Ks. 

South Jordan

One of the fastest-growing cities in Utah, South Jordan offers a perfect mix of modern amenities, welcoming neighborhoods, and easy access to both Salt Lake City and the Silicon Slopes tech corridor. South Jordan is designed to be pedestrian-friendly and full of green space, keeping community engagement top of mind. Residents enjoy miles of trails, lakes for kayaking and paddleboarding, and thoughtfully designed parks. South Jordan also offers plenty of shopping and dining options at The District, one of the largest retail centers in Utah. According to NewHomeSource, the cost to build a new home in South Jordan ranges from the upper $500Ks to high $900Ks as of February 2025.

Draper

Draper is a wonderful place to live for those who value outdoor adventure. If you’re a fan of paragliding, Point of the Mountain is a world-renowned destination for the sport. And if soaring through the sky isn’t for you, Corner Canyon boasts an extensive network of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The housing market in Draper is diverse, featuring high-end homes alongside more budget-friendly townhomes. When it comes to shopping and dining, residents have plenty of options, including The Shops at South Town. Plus, with its convenient proximity to Salt Lake City, commuting for work or leisure is ultra-convenient. As of February 2025, NewHomeSource estimates that new home construction in Draper ranges from the mid $300Ks to upper $1.3M. 

Heber City

Located in a valley surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains is the small town of Heber City. Roughly 43 miles from Salt Lake City, this scenic town has become a popular place for nature lovers, with year-round recreation like skiing, hiking, and fishing. Additionally, the Jordanelle Reservoir and Wasatch Mountain State Park offer tons of opportunities for boating, camping, and wildlife spotting. Downtown Heber is home to charming boutiques, restaurants, and the historic Heber Valley Railroad. In Heber City, new home construction costs generally fall in the mid $300Ks to upper $1.9M range, based on data from NewHomeSource as of February 2025. Pulte new construction homes in Heber City, UT, start in the upper $700Ks.

Salem

Known as the "City of Peace," Salem, Utah, is a quiet, close-knit community just south of Provo, offering residents a slower-paced lifestyle while keeping them within easy reach of the city. The town’s centerpiece is Salem Pond, a beautiful recreational spot perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply taking in the mountain views. Salem’s location offers easy access to Provo’s job market and universities while still maintaining a peaceful suburban feel. The cost to build a new home in Salem, according to NewHomeSource as of February 2025, ranges from the mid $300Ks to low $800Ks. Pulte new construction homes in Salem, UT, start in the high $600Ks.

Cost of Living in Salt Lake City, Utah, Conclusion

While the Salt Lake City living cost is slightly higher than the national average, you’ll also find plenty of major employers, abundant outdoor recreation, and a high quality of life, which is why it remains an appealing place to live and continues to attract new residents. With a greater understanding of Salt Lake City living expenses, you can plan ahead for a successful move and a fulfilling lifestyle in this dynamic area.

Explore new construction homes in Salt Lake City, UT, today, or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 7/3/25