Salt Lake City vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, Salt Lake City comes in at $458,600 — 48% lower than Seattle, where the median is $879,900.
Typical households bring in $72,357 a year in Salt Lake City, versus $116,068 in Seattle.
Salt Lake City's median rent sits at $1,254, against $1,945 in Seattle.
FEMA rates Seattle's natural-hazard risk higher than Salt Lake City's: Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,269 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $458,600 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $72,357 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $1,254 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Salt Lake City, UT comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Seattle, WA, 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.