Is Salt Lake City or Los Angeles more affordable?
Salt Lake City has a median rent of $1,450/month, while Los Angeles is $1,852/month. Salt Lake City is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Salt Lake City, UT vs Los Angeles, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.
3
Salt Lake City wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
2
Los Angeles wins
UT
Salt Lake City
vs
CA
Los Angeles
Overview
199,723
Population
3,898,747
$58,000
Median Income
+19.2%$69,144✓
Cost of Living
$1,450✓
Median Rent / mo
+27.7%$1,852
$480,000✓
Median Home Price
+56.3%$750,000
30%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
4.65%✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
7.75%
Local Tax Rate
9.50%
Climate & Weather
65°F
Avg High Temp
75°F
41°F
Avg Low Temp
58°F
222 days
Sunny Days / Year
284 days✓
17"
Annual Rainfall
15"
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 →Who should choose
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a city in California with a population of 3,898,747.
Read full Los Angeles guide →Salt Lake City vs Los Angeles — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Salt Lake City or Los Angeles?
Utah has a 4.65% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Salt Lake City wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles?
Salt Lake City gets 222 sunny days/year. Los Angeles gets 284 sunny days/year. Avg high in Salt Lake City: 65°F. Avg high in Los Angeles: 75°F
Which city is better for families — Salt Lake City or Los Angeles?
Salt Lake City. Los Angeles. 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.