Salt Lake City, UT vs. Taylorsville, UT: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two households, the Smiths in Salt Lake City and the Johnsons in Taylorsville, comparing their monthly expenses over coffee:
“Our 2-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City runs us $1,600 per month,” says Mrs. Smith. “Plus about $120 in utilities.”
Mr. Johnson nods. “We pay $1,350 for a similar place in Taylorsville, and closer to $100 for utilities. But I think you have us beat on grocery deals with that new supermarket in your neighborhood.”
Mrs. Smith laughs. “True, our grocery bill is around $500 a month. How about yours?”
“With three hungry teenagers, we’re pushing $650, even shopping the sales,” Mr. Johnson replies, shaking his head. “I guess it’s a tradeoff.”
This friendly chat illustrates the importance of comparing living costs when choosing between Salt Lake City and Taylorsville, whether you’re relocating for work, housing needs, or lifestyle fit. In this article, we’ll dive into the key factors that impact your budget in these two Utah cities.
Housing Costs: Salt Lake City vs Taylorsville
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household’s budget. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs stack up for common housing types in Salt Lake City and Taylorsville:
| Housing Type | Salt Lake City | Taylorsville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,600 | $1,350 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $380,000 |
🏆 Winner: Taylorsville. Rent and home prices tend to be 15-20% lower in Taylorsville compared to Salt Lake City proper.
For a more detailed look at monthly expenses, check out our guide on how much it costs to live in Salt Lake City each month.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are quite comparable between the two cities, with Salt Lake City averaging about $120 per month and Taylorsville around $100 for a typical apartment. Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so expect higher heating and cooling bills in those peak months.
🏆 Winner: Taylorsville, but only by a slight margin of $20 per month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs can vary significantly by household size and shopping habits. On average, a single person might spend $300-350 per month in either city, while a family of four can expect a bill closer to $600-700.
Restaurant prices are fairly similar, with a mid-range dinner for two averaging $50-60 in both Salt Lake City and Taylorsville. However, Salt Lake City does offer a wider variety of dining options and specialty stores.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and dining costs are comparable in both cities for most households.
Taxes and Fees
Utah levies a flat 4.95% income tax rate as of 2025. Sales tax is 7.25% in Salt Lake City and 7.60% in Taylorsville, a negligible difference for most budgets.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level. Salt Lake County, which includes both cities, charges an average effective property tax rate of 0.66%, slightly below the national average.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Income, sales, and property tax rates are nearly identical between Salt Lake City and Taylorsville.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Salt Lake City | Taylorsville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Monthly Rent, 2BR) | $1,600 | $1,350 |
| Utilities | $120 | $100 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $120 | $130 |
| Misc. | $250 | $220 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,590 | $2,300 |
Note: Figures are estimates based on typical expenses for a single person. Your actual cost of living will depend on your unique needs and lifestyle.
Lifestyle Fit: Salt Lake City vs Taylorsville
While Taylorsville offers lower housing costs, Salt Lake City provides some compelling lifestyle advantages:
- Walkability and transit: Salt Lake City scores much higher on walkability metrics and has more comprehensive public transit coverage.
- Dining and entertainment: As Utah’s capital and largest city, Salt Lake City boasts a greater variety of restaurants, bars, theaters, and cultural venues.
- Job market: Salt Lake City’s thriving tech and healthcare industries provide more diverse and high-paying job opportunities.
However, Taylorsville has its own perks, including larger housing options for the price, a quieter suburban feel, and quick access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Wasatch Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salt Lake City more affordable than Taylorsville?
A: Taylorsville is generally more affordable, with lower housing costs and slightly cheaper utilities, although the difference in other expenses is minimal.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Taylorsville has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing about $1,350 per month compared to $1,600 in Salt Lake City.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home, Salt Lake City or Taylorsville?
A: Median home prices in Taylorsville are around $380,000 versus $450,000 in Salt Lake City, so your homebuying budget will stretch further in Taylorsville.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the choice between Salt Lake City and Taylorsville depends on your priorities. If minimizing expenses is your primary goal, Taylorsville offers meaningful savings on housing and utilities. But if you value walkability, transit access, job opportunities, and big-city amenities, the premium to live in Salt Lake City may be worthwhile.
Of course, your ideal budget breakdown is highly personal. For a customized look at your expenses in Salt Lake City, read our guide on the true cost of living in Salt Lake City in 2025. And if a move is in your future, don’t forget to compare moving company costs and options to get the best deal.