Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 9% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $68,008 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. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
Amazon affiliate links