Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Houston is 10% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $67,290 in Houston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are lower than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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