Phoenix vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 6% more expensive than Phoenix overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ vs 4.65% in UT.
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
When comparing the overall cost of living, Salt Lake City is noticeably more expensive than Phoenix. This difference is largely driven by housing costs, which are significantly higher in Salt Lake City. While Phoenix's overall expenses are just slightly above the national average, Salt Lake City's are more substantially so, making it a more costly place to live in general, despite some categories being more affordable there.
Housing
Housing presents the most significant cost difference, with both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being considerably higher in Salt Lake City. Phoenix offers more accessible housing options for both buyers and renters. While specific ownership costs like property taxes and insurance vary, the initial investment for a home or the monthly rent payment will be substantially larger in the Utah capital compared to the Arizona desert metropolis.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show a mixed picture. Salt Lake City has a higher state income tax rate, which impacts take-home pay. However, transportation and utilities are more affordable in Salt Lake City. Food and healthcare costs are roughly similar in both metros, both being slightly below the national average. Miscellaneous goods and services are also somewhat more affordable in Salt Lake City, but these savings are often offset by the income tax difference.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Phoenix is known for its hot, arid climate and sprawling desert landscape, with a car-centric transportation system. Salt Lake City, nestled against mountains, experiences four distinct seasons, including snowy winters, and offers more public transit options. The pace of life and urban density can feel different, with Salt Lake City often perceived as having a more compact urban core compared to Phoenix's extensive metropolitan area. Both offer ample outdoor recreation.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the primary financial impact will stem from housing costs, which are substantially higher in Salt Lake City. While some everyday expenses like transportation and utilities are more favorable there, and food and healthcare are comparable, the higher state income tax and significantly elevated housing prices in Salt Lake City mean a larger overall budget will be required compared to Phoenix. Phoenix generally offers a more budget-friendly environment.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 108 |
| Housing index | 105 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 100 | 89 |
| Food index | 96 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 95 |
| Misc index | 92 | 95 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.