Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 35% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $48,636 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. Oakland has a housing index of 264 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Oakland costs $780,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Oakland versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Oakland scores 109 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Oakland (113) are higher than Salt Lake City (97).
Median household income in Oakland is $73,692 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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