Dallas vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 3% more expensive than Dallas overall. Dallas (TX) has no state income tax; UT tops out around 4.65%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Dallas and Salt Lake City reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living, with Salt Lake City being somewhat more expensive. This distinction is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly higher in Salt Lake City. While other categories like transportation and utilities might offer some savings in Salt Lake City, the substantial housing costs in the mountain west metro tend to push its total expenses above those in the Texas city.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant contrast. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Salt Lake City than in Dallas. Dallas offers housing costs that are closer to the national average, while Salt Lake City's housing market is notably above it. Beyond purchase price, property taxes in Texas are generally higher than in Utah, which can impact the total cost of homeownership in Dallas, despite the lower purchase price.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show a mixed picture. Salt Lake City benefits from lower transportation costs and more affordable utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services compared to Dallas. However, a key difference is the presence of a state income tax in Utah, which is absent in Texas. This means that while some daily spending categories might be cheaper in Salt Lake City, the state income tax could offset some of those savings for many residents.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Dallas offers a sprawling, flat urban environment with a hot, humid climate and a car-dependent culture. Salt Lake City, nestled in a mountain valley, has a drier climate with distinct seasons, including snowy winters, and a more compact urban core. Commute times are generally shorter in Salt Lake City, and its proximity to mountains offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, contrasting with Dallas's flatter landscape.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the primary financial impact will likely revolve around housing. Dallas generally offers a more affordable entry point for both renters and buyers. While Salt Lake City provides some savings in daily expenses like transportation and utilities, and a different climate and lifestyle, the higher housing costs and the presence of a state income tax mean that a household budget will likely stretch further in Dallas.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 105 | 108 |
| Housing index | 99 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 89 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 95 |
| Misc index | 98 | 95 |
| Median home price | $358,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.