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Salt Lake City vs Philadelphia

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Philadelphia is 3% more expensive than Salt Lake City overall.Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 110 vs Philadelphia at 113 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Philadelphia costs 30% less.

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Salt Lake City
UT
110
COLI index
VS
Philadelphia
PA
113
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySalt Lake CityPhiladelphiaDifference
Overall COLI110113+3%
Housing145145Same
Groceries103106+3%
Transport108110+2%
Healthcare104105+1%
Utilities92120+30%

Median 1BR Rent

Salt Lake City
$1,450/mo
Philadelphia
$1,700/mo

Median Home Price

Salt Lake City
$460,000
Philadelphia
$240,000

Median Household Income

Salt Lake City
$72,408
Philadelphia
$49,127

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Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in overall. Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 110 while Philadelphia has an index of 113, where 100 represents the US national average. Philadelphia is 3% more expensive than Salt Lake City overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Salt Lake City is $1,450 per month compared to $1,700 in Philadelphia. The median home price in Salt Lake City is $460,000 versus $240,000 in Philadelphia. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 110 and Philadelphia has an index of 113, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Salt Lake City, multiply by 1.03. For example a $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to approximately $77,045 in Philadelphia.

Salt Lake City has a median household income of $72,408 per year versus $49,127 in Philadelphia. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Salt Lake City to Philadelphia is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Philadelphia is 3% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in utilities. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.