Is Salt Lake City, UT cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Salt Lake City, UT is 49.4% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3703 per month.

What salary do I need in Salt Lake City, UT to live like I do in San Francisco, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $105,568.624 in Salt Lake City, UT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Francisco, CA and Salt Lake City, UT?

Housing in Salt Lake City, UT is 74.1% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Salt Lake City, UT compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT?

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Salt Lake City, UT could save you approximately $3703 per month, or $44431 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Francisco vs Salt Lake City: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

The San Francisco-to-Salt Lake City move is gaining popularity as more Americans rethink where their money goes furthest. With San Francisco's innovative and progressive vibe and Salt Lake City's outdoorsy and family-focused character, these cities offer very different lifestyles at very different price points.

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.7K/month moving to Salt Lake City, UT

$150.0K in your current city equals $105.6K in Salt Lake City, UT

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 49.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,703

Savings

Annual Impact

$44.4K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.25M

Salt Lake City, UT

Population:210K

Cost Index:

(49% below avg)

Median Home:$518K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

Salt Lake City, UT

The Beehive State

210K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Francisco, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT

Category	San Francisco, CA	Salt Lake City, UT	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,531/mo	↓ $7,240less	74.1%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,247/mo	↓ $911less	42.2%
Groceries	$1,159/mo	$950/mo	↓ $209less	18.0%
Other	$1,875/mo	$1,670/mo	↓ $205less	10.9%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$625/mo	↓ $81.26less	11.5%
All Utilities	$448/mo	$472/mo	↑ $23.68more	5.3%

Housing

↓ 74.1%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Salt Lake City, UT

$2,531

Difference

$7,240

less

Transportation

↓ 42.2%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,247

Difference

$911

less

Groceries

↓ 18.0%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Salt Lake City, UT

$950

Difference

$209

less

Other

↓ 10.9%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Salt Lake City, UT

$1,670

Difference

$205

less

Healthcare

↓ 11.5%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Salt Lake City, UT

$625

Difference

$81.26

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Salt Lake City, UT

$472

Difference

$23.68

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,008

↓ $1,452

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,168

↓ $1,782

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,400

↓ $2,170

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$1,872

↓ $2,688

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/mo

Salt Lake City, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,820/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,494

Monthly in Salt Lake City, UT

$8,624

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Salt Lake City

$1.25M

Median Value

$518K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.4%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$400K - $902K

Homes in Salt Lake City are 58% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco Calculate payment - Salt Lake City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$279

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

Rate difference

San Francisco, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Additional Tax Information

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Salt Lake City, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.