Cost of living in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant urban life. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Salt Lake City, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17 on average, with a range between $10.52 and $45.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85, with prices ranging from $65 to $125.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $10 and $12.5.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $12, imported beer $6 to $13, cappuccino $4 to $12, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.67 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.91.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $4.96, with an average price of $3.27.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.7 to $6, averaging $3.63.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $1 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.77 and $4.39 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.49 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $5, with a monthly pass priced between $85 and $170.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $1.12 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.43 to $3.11 per km and $25 to $50 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1300 to $2000, averaging $1664.75.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1150 to $1600, averaging $1361.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $3500, averaging $2729.23.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1800 to $2850, averaging $2207.69.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2152.78 to $5381.96, averaging $2983.54.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2034.38 to $3831.95, averaging $2494.52.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $125 and $213.81, averaging $170.52.
- Internet - Internet services range from $65 to $99, with an average cost of $74.44.
Cost of Living Rankings
Salt Lake City ranks 35th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Salt Lake City offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable housing options compared to other major U.S. cities.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, with options ranging from budget-friendly to upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices being accessible for most residents.
Grocery prices are generally affordable, though some items like cheese and beef can be on the higher end.
Conclusion
Overall, Salt Lake City provides a balanced cost of living that accommodates a range of budgets. Its housing market offers both rental and purchasing options at competitive prices.
While some expenses like dining and certain groceries can be higher, the city's overall affordability makes it an attractive place for both families and individuals.