Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 28% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $54,223 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: Colorado salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boulder scores 107 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 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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