Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 19% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $60,795 in Salt Lake City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bend has a housing index of 182 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Bend costs $580,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Bend versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Bend scores 106 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Bend (106) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bend is $68,234 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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