Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Dallas is 4% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $72,196 in Dallas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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