City Comparison · 2026
Salt Lake City vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Salt Lake City = $95k in Phoenix
Metric
Salt Lake City
Phoenix
COL Index
1.18
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,550/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$1,950/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
UT
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$73,886
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
26.11%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$55,286
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Salt Lake City UT | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,338 $3,945/mo · 21.1% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,886 $6,157/mo · 26.11% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $106,003 $8,834/mo · 29.33% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salt Lake City or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Salt Lake City has a cost-of-living index of 1.18 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Salt Lake City is $1,550/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Salt Lake City vs Phoenix?
$100k in Salt Lake City = $95k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 5.1%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Salt Lake City or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,886 in UT (Salt Lake City) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $55,286 in Salt Lake City vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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