Salt Lake City, Utah has an overall cost of living index of 95.8, which is 4.2 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,343 per month, while the typical home is valued around $495,700. Households earn a median of $74,925 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 31. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$74,925
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,343
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$495,700
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
95.8
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,259
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,456
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,747
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,333
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
95.8
Goods
95.0
Rents / Housing
116.5
Services
71.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.65%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.85%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $120,910 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $86,070 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $67,690 |
| ⚡Electrician | $61,110 |
| 📊Accountant | $81,220 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
203,888
Latest estimate
Median Age
33 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
31.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 95.8. The US national average is 100, so Salt Lake City is 4.2 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Salt Lake City?
The median gross rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Salt Lake City?
The median household income in Salt Lake City is $74,925 per year.
What is the median home value in Salt Lake City?
The median home value in Salt Lake City is $495,700 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 31.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Salt Lake City?
Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.65% and a statewide sales tax of 4.85% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology