Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 40% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $45,084 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: California salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $610,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Irvine scores 108 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are higher than Salt Lake City (97).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 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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