Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 7% more affordable than Eugene. A $75,000 salary in Eugene is equivalent to $69,783 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. Eugene has a housing index of 130 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Eugene costs $380,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Eugene versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Eugene scores 103 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Eugene (106) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Eugene is $49,448 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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