Los Angeles vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 38% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT vs 9.3% in CA.
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
Moving from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City represents a substantial decrease in overall cost of living. Los Angeles is considerably more expensive than the national average, while Salt Lake City is only slightly above it. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which show a much larger gap between the two metros than other categories. All other major spending categories, including transportation and everyday necessities, also contribute to the overall cost disparity.
Housing
Housing in Los Angeles is dramatically more expensive, whether you are looking to buy a home or rent a one-bedroom apartment. Salt Lake City offers considerably more affordable options for both homeownership and rental properties. While Los Angeles features a diverse housing stock ranging from dense urban apartments to sprawling suburban homes, Salt Lake City also provides a mix, often with newer developments and mountain views. The cost of entry into the housing market is a major factor in the overall budget difference.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are noticeably lower in Salt Lake City across the board. State income tax rates are considerably higher in California compared to Utah. Transportation costs are substantially less in Salt Lake City, and residents there also find food, healthcare, and utilities to be cheaper than in Los Angeles. Miscellaneous expenses also follow this trend, meaning that routine spending on goods and services will be significantly reduced in Salt Lake City.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move reveals distinct lifestyle differences. Los Angeles is known for its vast urban sprawl, Mediterranean climate, and extensive but often congested transportation network. Salt Lake City offers a mountain desert climate with distinct seasons, including snowy winters, and a more compact urban core with generally shorter commutes. The pace of life and population density are also noticeably different, with Salt Lake City often perceived as having a more relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the financial implications are substantial. Relocating to Salt Lake City from Los Angeles would lead to a significant reduction in overall expenses, primarily due to much lower housing costs. Everyday spending, including taxes, transportation, and groceries, would also be considerably less. This shift would free up a noticeable portion of a household's budget, while also offering a different climate and urban experience.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 175 | 108 |
| Housing index | 201 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 129 | 89 |
| Food index | 112 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 128 | 95 |
| Misc index | 118 | 95 |
| Median home price | $795,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,400/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.