Texas vs Utah Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$82,327
in Texas
$75,377
in Utah
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Texas | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 79.4 | 108.8 | -27% |
| Groceries | 95.3 | 96.9 | -2% |
| Utilities | 102.9 | 82.4 | +25% |
| Transportation | 92.9 | 104.1 | -11% |
| Healthcare | 96.8 | 90.9 | +6% |
| Dining & Misc | 95.2 | 96.9 | -2% |
| Overall | 91.1 | 99.5 | -8% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Texas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Texas | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $295,000 | $480,000 | $185,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,112/mo | $1,523/mo | $411 |
| Gas price | $3.21/gal | $3.40/gal | $0.19 |
| Electric bill | $87/mo | $88/mo | $2 |
| Infant childcare | $10,706/yr | $13,094/yr | $2,388 |
Salary equivalent: Texas → Utah
What a Texas salary buys you in Utah, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Texas | Equivalent in Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,610 | $-4,610 |
| $75,000 | $81,915 | $-6,915 |
| $100,000 | $109,221 | $-9,221 |
| $150,000 | $163,831 | $-13,831 |
| $200,000 | $218,441 | $-18,441 |
Positive = your money goes further in Utah. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Utah is 8% more expensive than Texas overall. Utah has an index of 99.5 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Utah?
Texas is cheaper to live in. Utah is 8% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $295,000 in Texas vs $480,000 in Utah.
Is Texas cheaper than Utah?
Yes, Texas is 8% cheaper than Utah overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Utah more expensive than Texas?
Yes, Utah is 8% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Utah equals $100,000 in Texas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Texas, you would need approximately $109,221 in Utah. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.1 vs 99.5).
How do housing costs compare between Texas and Utah?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Texas. Median home prices are $295,000 in Texas vs $480,000 in Utah — a $185,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,112/mo vs $1,523/mo.
What costs more in Texas vs Utah?
Housing is 27% lower in Texas (index 79.4 vs 108.8). Utilities is 25% higher in Texas (index 102.9 vs 82.4). Transportation is 11% lower in Texas (index 92.9 vs 104.1).
Is gas cheaper in Texas or Utah?
Gas averages $3.21/gallon in Texas and $3.40/gallon in Utah — a $0.19 difference per gallon.
Texas vs Utah cost of living — how do they compare?
Texas has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.1 and Utah has 99.5 (national average = 100). Utah is 8% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Utah?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Texas vs Utah paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Utah Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Texas vs Utah Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Texas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Utah — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.