Cost of Living: Denver vs Salt Lake City
Denver is 14% more expensive than Salt Lake City
Quick Answer
Denver is 14% more expensive than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $65,625 in Salt Lake City. The biggest gap is in housing costs.
Monthly Cost Comparison
Side-by-side monthly costs for major expense categories:
| Category | Denver | Salt Lake City | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,400/mo | $2,100/mo | Salt Lake City (-$300) |
| Groceries | $408/mo | $357/mo | Salt Lake City (-$51) |
| Transportation | $378/mo | $331/mo | Salt Lake City (-$47) |
| Healthcare | $513/mo | $449/mo | Salt Lake City (-$64) |
| Utilities | $192/mo | $168/mo | Salt Lake City (-$24) |
| Dining Out | $360/mo | $315/mo | Salt Lake City (-$45) |
| Total Monthly | $4,251 | $3,720 | Salt Lake City |
Category-by-Category Comparison
Salary Equivalent: Denver to Salt Lake City
Here is what various salaries in Denver are equivalent to in Salt Lake City, adjusted for cost of living differences:
| Salary in Denver | = | Equivalent in Salt Lake City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,750 | -$6,250 | |
| $75,000 | $65,625 | -$9,375 | |
| $100,000 | $87,500 | -$12,500 | |
| $125,000 | $109,375 | -$15,625 | |
| $150,000 | $131,250 | -$18,750 |
If you move from Denver to Salt Lake City, you would maintain the same lifestyle on a lower salary.
Which City Wins by Category?
Save $3,600/year compared to Denver
Save $612/year compared to Denver
Save $564/year compared to Denver
Save $768/year compared to Denver
Save $288/year compared to Denver
Save $540/year compared to Denver
Quality of Life Comparison
| Factor | Denver | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Job Market | Denver has a growing job market | Salt Lake City has a growing job market |
| Weather | Varies by region | Varies by region |
| Commute | Moderate commute times | Moderate commute times |
| Entertainment | Good variety of activities and dining | Good variety of activities and dining |
Get a Detailed Relocation Analysis
Our Pro plan includes custom cost-of-living reports, salary adjustment calculators, and personalized relocation budgets to help you make the right move.
Related Calculators
Cost of Living Calculator
Compare costs between any two cities
Salary Calculator
Convert and compare salary offers
Budget Calculator
Plan your budget in a new city
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Should you rent or buy after relocating?
Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate your relocation expenses
Tax Calculator
Compare state tax burdens
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver more expensive than Salt Lake City?
Yes, Denver is approximately 14% more expensive than Salt Lake City overall. The biggest difference is in housing, where Denver costs are significantly higher.
What salary in Salt Lake City equals $75,000 in Denver?
A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to approximately $65,625 in Salt Lake City, adjusted for cost of living differences. This accounts for housing, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
Where is housing cheaper, Denver or Salt Lake City?
Housing is cheaper in Salt Lake City, with average monthly costs of $2,100 compared to $2,400 in Denver.
Should I move from Denver to Salt Lake City?
Moving from Denver to Salt Lake City could save you approximately $3,600/year on housing alone. However, consider career opportunities, salary adjustments, quality of life, and personal preferences.
Related City Comparisons
Get Our Free Relocation Cost Guide
Download our comprehensive guide to relocating between cities. Includes hidden cost checklists, salary negotiation templates, and city comparison worksheets.
Download Free Guide