Median rent is 19% lower in Salt Lake City ($1,343/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Salt Lake City, where the median home runs $495,700 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $74,925 a year). Taken together, Salt Lake City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.8 against 98.8 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Salt Lake City is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.8 in Salt Lake City vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Salt Lake City, UT
How much would you need to earn in Salt Lake City, UT to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Salt Lake City, UT
$72,752
You could earn $2,248 less (3% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Salt Lake City
Utah
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Salt Lake City at $1,343/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (19% gap). Median home values are within 3% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $495,700 in Salt Lake City.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Utah tops out at 4.65% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.85% in Utah; Salt Lake City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Salt Lake City
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Salt Lake City has cleaner air on average: 31.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Salt Lake City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,343/mo median).
Pick Salt Lake City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 31.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Salt Lake City.
How much is rent in Austin vs Salt Lake City?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,343/mo in Salt Lake City, UT. Salt Lake City, UT has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $74,925 in Salt Lake City, UT. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Salt Lake City, UT has better air quality on average: 31.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Salt Lake City?
Texas has no state income tax. Utah has a top rate of 4.65%.
What salary do I need in Salt Lake City to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $97,002 in Salt Lake City, UT (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology