Sacramento vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 16% cheaper than Sacramento 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
Overall, Salt Lake City presents a more budget-friendly option compared to Sacramento. While both cities have costs above the national average, the difference in total expenses is quite noticeable. This gap is primarily driven by higher costs across most categories in Sacramento, making Salt Lake City a more economical choice for many everyday expenditures and overall living expenses.
Housing
When considering housing, the median home purchase price is roughly similar in both metros. However, renting a one-bedroom apartment is noticeably more expensive in Sacramento than in Salt Lake City. Beyond the monthly payments, Sacramento's housing index indicates that other associated costs, such as insurance and property taxes, also contribute to a higher overall housing burden compared to Salt Lake City.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending will see a significant difference, largely due to state income taxes, which are considerably higher in California. Beyond taxes, Salt Lake City offers savings across several key categories: transportation is much more affordable, and food, healthcare, and utilities are also noticeably cheaper. These combined factors mean a substantial reduction in routine expenses for those moving to Salt Lake City.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Sacramento offers a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters, while Salt Lake City experiences four distinct seasons, including snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Commute times are generally shorter in Salt Lake City. Sacramento has a more established, sprawling urban feel, while Salt Lake City, nestled against mountains, offers easier access to outdoor recreation and a slightly more compact downtown core.
Bottom line
For households weighing a move, Salt Lake City generally offers a more favorable financial outlook. While home purchase prices are similar, the cumulative effect of lower state income taxes, reduced rental costs, and more affordable transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities in Salt Lake City translates to a much lighter overall financial burden compared to Sacramento. This can free up significant funds for other priorities.
| Measure | Sacramento, CA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 108 |
| Housing index | 132 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 110 | 89 |
| Food index | 108 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 125 | 95 |
| Misc index | 105 | 95 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 30 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.