Phoenix vs Salt Lake City: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Phoenix's typical home is worth $340,200, 26% lower than the typical home in Salt Lake City at $458,600.
On median household income, Phoenix posts $72,092 while Salt Lake City posts $72,357.
Typical rent runs $1,322 in Phoenix and $1,254 in Salt Lake City.
Phoenix carries a higher hazard rating than Salt Lake City, per FEMA — Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,609,456 | 201,269 |
| Median home value | $340,200 | $458,600 |
| Median household income | $72,092 | $72,357 |
| Median gross rent | $1,322 | $1,254 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
There's no single winner on housing costs — Phoenix, AZ is cheaper by home value, Salt Lake City, UT is cheaper by rent.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.