Houston vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 10% more expensive than Houston overall. Houston (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 overall expenses, Houston offers a more budget-friendly environment, with its total cost of living falling below the national average. Salt Lake City, in contrast, presents a higher overall cost of living, exceeding the national average. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are substantially lower in Houston, creating a significant gap in the financial commitment required for a move to either metro.
Housing
Housing costs represent a major difference, with both home purchase prices and rental rates being considerably lower in Houston. Salt Lake City's housing market demands a much higher financial outlay for both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment. Houston's housing stock often includes more sprawling properties, while Salt Lake City's housing can be more compact, reflecting its mountain valley setting.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show varied trends. Salt Lake City has a state income tax, unlike Houston, which has none, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs are noticeably lower in Salt Lake City, with shorter average commutes. Food expenses are quite similar in both metros, with a slight edge to Houston. Healthcare costs are roughly comparable, while utilities are somewhat higher in Houston and lower in Salt Lake City.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves significant lifestyle changes. Houston offers a humid, subtropical climate with flat terrain, while Salt Lake City experiences a four-season, semi-arid climate with mountainous surroundings. Getting around in Houston often relies on extensive roadways, whereas Salt Lake City provides more accessible public transit options and a generally shorter commute. Houston is a sprawling metropolis, while Salt Lake City feels more contained within its valley.
Bottom line
Moving from Houston to Salt Lake City would likely mean a substantial increase in overall living expenses, predominantly due to much higher housing costs. Conversely, a move to Houston would generally result in a more affordable lifestyle, especially concerning housing. While Salt Lake City offers savings in transportation and utilities, these are typically outweighed by its higher housing and the presence of a state income tax, making Houston the more budget-friendly option.
| Measure | Houston, TX | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 98 | 108 |
| Housing index | 84 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 89 |
| Food index | 95 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 95 |
| Misc index | 92 | 95 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,250/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 31 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.