Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Phoenix is 7% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $70,093 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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