Median rent is 11% lower in Salisbury ($1,030/mo vs $1,152/mo). Buying is cheaper in Salisbury, where the median home runs $215,200 versus $437,100. Households earn more in Provo ($62,800 vs $51,058 a year). Taken together, Salisbury is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.1 against 87.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Provo, UT.
City A
Provo, UT
City B
Salisbury, NC
How much would you need to earn in Salisbury, NC to maintain your standard of living from Provo, UT?
Equivalent salary in Salisbury, NC
$74,839
You could earn $161 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
Provo
Utah
Salisbury
North Carolina
👥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 Salisbury at $1,030/mo compared to $1,152/mo in Provo (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Provo: the median home is $437,100 versus $215,200 in Salisbury — 51% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Utah's top income tax rate is 4.65% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Salisbury is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.85% in Utah and 4.75% in North Carolina; Salisbury has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Provo
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Salisbury
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Provo if you prioritize higher median household income ($62,800/yr).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,030/mo median).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Provo cheaper than Salisbury?
Salisbury is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.1 versus 87.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Salisbury.
How much is rent in Provo vs Salisbury?
Median rent is $1,152/mo in Provo, UT and $1,030/mo in Salisbury, NC. Salisbury, NC has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Provo or Salisbury?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo, UT and $51,058 in Salisbury, NC. Provo, 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 — Provo or Salisbury?
Utah's top income tax rate is 4.65% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Salisbury, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Salisbury to match my Provo income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Provo, UT is equivalent to roughly $99,785 in Salisbury, NC (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