Salt Lake City vs Tucson: cost of living compared
Tucson is 19% cheaper than Salt Lake City 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
Comparing Salt Lake City and Tucson reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living. Salt Lake City is generally more expensive than the national average, while Tucson is considerably more affordable. This disparity is largely driven by housing expenses, which are significantly higher in Salt Lake City. Other categories like food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services also contribute to Tucson's lower overall cost, making it a more budget-friendly option for many everyday expenditures.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom are substantially higher in Salt Lake City. Tucson offers much more affordable options for both buying and renting. Salt Lake City's housing stock often includes more traditional homes, while Tucson features a mix of Southwestern styles. Beyond the mortgage or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, impacting the total cost of homeownership in each location.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with Salt Lake City having a higher state income tax rate compared to Tucson. Transportation costs are roughly similar in both cities, and average commute times are comparable. Food and healthcare expenses are generally lower in Tucson. However, utilities are noticeably more expensive in Tucson, likely due to climate control needs, while Salt Lake City's utility costs are below the national average. Miscellaneous goods and services are also more affordable in Tucson.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are notable. Salt Lake City, nestled in a mountain valley, experiences four distinct seasons, including significant snowfall, and offers abundant outdoor recreation. Its urban core is relatively compact. Tucson, located in the Sonoran Desert, has a hot, dry climate with mild winters and a distinct monsoon season. It generally feels more spread out. Both cities rely heavily on personal vehicles for getting around, with similar average commute times, though public transit options exist in both.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, the financial implications are clear: Tucson generally offers a much lower cost of living, primarily due to significantly more affordable housing. While some expenses like utilities are higher in Tucson, and state income tax is lower, the substantial savings on housing and many daily goods and services can lead to a much bigger gap in overall household budgets. Salt Lake City provides a different climate and urban experience at a higher price point.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 127 | 78 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 89 |
| Food index | 98 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 108 |
| Misc index | 95 | 82 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $278,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Average commute | 24 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Tucson home with the True Cost Calculator.