Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Richmond is 4% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $72,196 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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