Salt Lake City vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 44% more expensive than Salt Lake City overall. Seattle (WA) 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, Salt Lake City presents a noticeably more affordable option than Seattle. The cost of living in Salt Lake City is somewhat above the national average, while Seattle's expenses are significantly higher. This substantial difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are considerably greater in Seattle, influencing the overall budget for residents in both metros.
Housing
Housing is where the most significant cost difference lies. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are substantially higher in Seattle. While Salt Lake City offers more accessible homeownership and rental markets, both metros feature a mix of housing types, from urban apartments to suburban homes. Property taxes and insurance costs will also vary, contributing to the total cost of ownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also show a clear divergence. Transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive in Seattle. Additionally, Salt Lake City has a state income tax, which Seattle does not, impacting take-home pay. Commute times are also longer on average in Seattle, potentially adding to transportation costs and daily time commitments.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences extend beyond cost. Salt Lake City offers a drier, four-season climate with nearby mountain access, while Seattle is known for its milder, wetter climate and proximity to water and evergreen forests. Salt Lake City generally has a more relaxed pace and less traffic congestion, whereas Seattle is a denser, bustling urban center with a more extensive public transit system and a longer average commute.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Salt Lake City generally offers a more budget-friendly environment across nearly all categories. The absence of a state income tax in Seattle is a notable advantage, but it is largely offset by significantly higher costs for housing and most other goods and services. A household's financial outlook would be considerably different depending on which metro they choose.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 155 |
| Housing index | 127 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 123 |
| Food index | 98 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 105 |
| Misc index | 95 | 118 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 24 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.