Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 16% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $62,695 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Sacramento scores 104 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 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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