Austin vs Salt Lake City: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, Austin comes in at $461,500 — 1% higher than Salt Lake City, where the median is $458,600.
Typical households bring in $86,556 a year in Austin, versus $72,357 in Salt Lake City.
Austin's median rent sits at $1,549, against $1,254 in Salt Lake City.
FEMA rates both cities' overall hazard risk as "Relatively High."
| Metric | Austin, TX | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 958,202 | 201,269 |
| Median home value | $461,500 | $458,600 |
| Median household income | $86,556 | $72,357 |
| Median gross rent | $1,549 | $1,254 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
Salt Lake City, UT comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Austin, TX, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.