Is Denver, CO cheaper than Salt Lake City, UT?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 10.3% more expensive than Salt Lake City, UT. This translates to spending an extra $771 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Salt Lake City, UT?

If you earn $150,000 in Salt Lake City, UT, you'd need approximately $159,253.438 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salt Lake City, UT and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 28.3% more expensive than in Salt Lake City, UT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,400/month in Salt Lake City, UT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $771 more per month than Salt Lake City, UT, or $9253 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salt Lake City vs Denver: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Wasatch or Rockies? Both mountain cities offer world-class skiing and growing tech scenes, but their powder isn't the only thing with different prices.

📍 Salt Lake City, UT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boise, ID area

Current salary in Salt Lake City, UT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $771/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.3K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Salt Lake City, UT area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$771

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Salt Lake City, UT

Population:210K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$518K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$513K

Salt Lake City, UT

The Beehive State

210K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Utah, this city has a population of 210K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Salt Lake City, UT vs Denver, CO

Category	Salt Lake City, UT	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,531/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $717more	28.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,247/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $215more	17.2%
📦Other	$1,670/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $105more	6.3%
🛒Groceries	$950/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $79.30more	8.3%
⚡All Utilities	$472/mo	$519/mo	↑ $47.35more	10.0%
🏥Healthcare	$625/mo	$632/mo	↑ $6.91more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.3%

Salt Lake City, UT

$2,531

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$717

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.2%

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,247

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$215

📦Other

↑ 6.3%

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,670

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$105

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.3%

Salt Lake City, UT

$950

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$79.30

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.0%

Salt Lake City, UT

$472

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$47.35

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.1%

Salt Lake City, UT

$625

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$6.91

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Salt Lake City, UT has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,008

To$1,720

↑ $712

1 Bed

From$1,168

To$1,840

↑ $672

2 Bed

From$1,400

To$2,190

↑ $790

3 Bed

From$1,872

To$2,870

↑ $998

Salt Lake City, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,820/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,494

Monthly in Salt Lake City, UT

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,171

Difference

Home Values

Salt Lake City

Denver

$518K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +30.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$400K - $902K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 1% less expensive than Salt Lake City

Calculate payment - Salt Lake City Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $675

Per year

Monthly Difference

$56.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Utah State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,809/month

$105.7K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.