Median rent is 6% lower in Dearborn ($1,264/mo vs $1,343/mo). Buying is cheaper in Dearborn, where the median home runs $205,900 versus $495,700. Households earn more in Salt Lake City ($74,925 vs $65,192 a year). Taken together, Salt Lake City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.8 against 96.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Salt Lake City, UT.
City A
Dearborn, MI
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 Dearborn, MI?
Equivalent salary in Salt Lake City, UT
$74,674
You could earn $326 less (0% 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
Dearborn
Michigan
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 Dearborn at $1,264/mo compared to $1,343/mo in Salt Lake City (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Salt Lake City: the median home is $495,700 versus $205,900 in Dearborn — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Dearborn is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 4.85% in Utah; Salt Lake City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Dearborn
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Salt Lake City
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Salt Lake City (avg AQI 31.0) but not yet for Dearborn.
Pick Salt Lake City if you prioritize higher median household income ($74,925/yr).
Pick Dearborn if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Dearborn cheaper than Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.8 versus 96.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Salt Lake City.
How much is rent in Dearborn vs Salt Lake City?
Median rent is $1,264/mo in Dearborn, MI and $1,343/mo in Salt Lake City, UT. Dearborn, MI has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Dearborn or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $65,192 in Dearborn, MI and $74,925 in Salt Lake City, UT. Salt Lake City, UT 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Dearborn or Salt Lake City?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Utah's is 4.65%. Dearborn, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Salt Lake City to match my Dearborn income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Dearborn, MI is equivalent to roughly $99,566 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