Raleigh vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 8% more expensive than Raleigh overall. State income tax tops out around 4.5% in NC 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
Overall, the cost of living in Salt Lake City is noticeably higher than in Raleigh. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are considerably more expensive in Salt Lake City. While some categories like transportation are more favorable in Salt Lake City, and others like food and healthcare are roughly similar, the significant gap in housing costs makes Raleigh the more budget-friendly option when considering total expenses.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial difference between the two metros. Both median home prices and typical rents for a one-bedroom apartment are considerably higher in Salt Lake City. Raleigh offers a more accessible housing market for both buyers and renters. The housing stock in Raleigh often includes traditional single-family homes, while Salt Lake City features a mix of urban and suburban styles, with new developments often reflecting mountain contemporary aesthetics.
Taxes and everyday costs
When it comes to daily expenses, Salt Lake City's state income tax is slightly higher than Raleigh's. Transportation costs are more favorable in Salt Lake City, while food and healthcare expenses are quite similar in both metros. Utilities are a bit less expensive in Salt Lake City. Miscellaneous goods and services are more affordable in Raleigh, contributing to a slightly lower overall daily spending burden there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Raleigh enjoys a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, while Salt Lake City experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct four seasons, including snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Salt Lake City offers proximity to mountainous terrain for outdoor activities. Both metros have growing populations and offer a blend of urban amenities and natural surroundings, with Raleigh having a slightly longer average commute time.
Bottom line
For households weighing a move, Raleigh generally presents a more affordable financial landscape, largely due to its significantly lower housing costs. While Salt Lake City offers some savings in transportation and utilities, these are not enough to offset the substantial difference in housing. A move to Salt Lake City would likely mean a higher overall household budget compared to Raleigh, especially for those looking to purchase a home.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 100 | 108 |
| Housing index | 106 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 97 | 89 |
| Food index | 95 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 90 | 95 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,500/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 27 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.