Is Sacramento or Salt Lake City more affordable?
Sacramento has a median rent of $1,650/month, while Salt Lake City is $1,450/month. Salt Lake City is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Sacramento, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Sacramento and Salt Lake City.
2
Sacramento wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
3
Salt Lake City wins
CA
Sacramento
vs
UT
Salt Lake City
Overview
524,943
Population
199,723
$60,715✓
Median Income
-4.5%$58,000
Cost of Living
$1,650
Median Rent / mo
-12.1%$1,450✓
$500,000
Median Home Price
-4.0%$480,000✓
33%
Rent-to-Income %
30%
Taxes
9.30%
State Income Tax
4.65%✓
8.75%
Local Tax Rate
7.75%
Climate & Weather
73°F
Avg High Temp
65°F
50°F
Avg Low Temp
41°F
269 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
222 days
18"
Annual Rainfall
17"
Who should choose
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is a city in California with a population of 524,943.
Read full Sacramento guide →Who should choose
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City is a city in Utah with a population of 199,723.
Read full Salt Lake City guide →Sacramento vs Salt Lake City — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Sacramento or Salt Lake City?
California has a 9.30% state income tax. Utah has a 4.65% state income tax. Salt Lake City wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Sacramento and Salt Lake City?
Sacramento gets 269 sunny days/year. Salt Lake City gets 222 sunny days/year. Avg high in Sacramento: 73°F. Avg high in Salt Lake City: 65°F
Which city is better for families — Sacramento or Salt Lake City?
Sacramento. Salt Lake City. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.