State to State Economies: Comparing the Cost of Living Between Salt Lake City and Raleigh in 2025
Page Hook
Thinking of relocating for better job opportunities, a lower cost of living, or simply chasing a change in scenery? With remote work options on the rise and major companies spreading their influence beyond Silicon Valley and New York, cities like Salt Lake City and Raleigh are topping relocation lists. But which of these fast-growing metros actually gives you more bang for your buck in 2025? We took a deep dive into every cost-of-living category—from housing to healthcare—to compare two of America’s most promising cities for families, professionals, and digital nomads alike.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Two Surprising Cities on the Rise
- Why These Cities Are Trending in 2025
- Housing Costs: Rent vs. Buying in Salt Lake City and Raleigh
- Everyday Essentials: Groceries, Dining, and Utilities
- Getting Around: Transportation Costs
- Health and Wellness: Healthcare Costs
- Taxes and Local Fees
- Lifestyle Costs: Fitness, Childcare, and Entertainment
- Monthly Cost Comparisons: Singles and Families
- What You Can Get for $3,000/Month in Each City
- Conclusion: Which City Delivers the Better Deal?
- Next Week Teaser: Coastal Living Showdown—San Diego vs. Miami
1. Introduction: Two Surprising Cities on the Rise
Salt Lake City, Utah and Raleigh, North Carolina have quietly turned into major players in the conversation about quality of life, affordability, and economic opportunity. Both cities have experienced an influx of tech companies, startups, and transplants seeking everything from better outdoor lifestyles to lower taxes. But while their growth has been parallel, the way they impact your pocketbook can be wildly different.
If you’re considering a move in 2025, here’s your all-in-one guide to which city gives you more lifestyle per dollar.
2. Why These Cities Are Trending in 2025
Salt Lake City, UT:
- Massive growth in clean tech and AI startups.
- Outdoor lifestyle appeal: skiing, hiking, national parks.
- Ranked as one of the top cities for remote workers.
- Strong university presence and educated workforce.
Raleigh, NC:
- A growing part of the Research Triangle, with major universities and global biotech firms.
- Lower overall costs compared to East Coast peers.
- Rapidly developing food and arts scene.
- Attractive to families and young professionals alike.
Both cities are capitalizing on domestic migration trends that favor suburban expansion, lower taxes, and work-life balance.
3. Housing Costs: Rent vs. Buying in Salt Lake City and Raleigh
| Housing Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $528,000 | $452,000 |
| Average 1-Bedroom Rent | $1,550/month | $1,350/month |
| Average 3-Bedroom Rent | $2,400/month | $2,100/month |
Overall, Raleigh offers slightly more affordable housing, both for renters and prospective homeowners, though Salt Lake’s inventory turnover is higher due to investor activity.
4. Everyday Essentials: Groceries, Dining, and Utilities
Groceries and Dining
| Item | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery Cost Index | 101 (US Avg = 100) | 96 |
| Meal at Mid-Range Restaurant | $70 for 2 | $65 for 2 |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $4.80 | $4.30 |
Winner: Raleigh takes the lead on affordable groceries and dining, with a noticeable 5–10% savings compared to Salt Lake.
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating, Cooling)
| Avg. Monthly Utility Bill | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person Apartment | $135 | $148 |
| Family Home | $265 | $278 |
While Raleigh has cheaper food, Salt Lake offers slightly more savings when it comes to utility costs—especially in winter, thanks to Utah’s dry, cool climate.
5. Getting Around: Transportation Costs
Public Transit & Personal Vehicles
| Metric | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Transit Pass | $85 | $60 |
| Average Gas Price (2025) | $4.20/gallon | $3.90/gallon |
| Commute Times | 25 minutes average | 29 minutes average |
Salt Lake City has a more developed light rail and bus system, while Raleigh is expanding but remains car-dependent in many areas.
6. Health and Wellness: Healthcare Costs
| Healthcare Metric | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Health Insurance (Single) | $450 | $410 |
| Monthly Family Insurance | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Doctor Visit | $125 | $110 |
| Dental Cleaning | $100 | $90 |
Healthcare costs are overall lower in Raleigh, although Salt Lake continues to invest in specialized care through university hospital partnerships.
7. Taxes and Local Fees
| Tax Type | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 4.85% flat | 4.75% flat |
| Sales Tax (Combined Avg) | 7.75% | 7.00% |
| Property Tax (Effective) | 0.63% | 0.77% |
Tax Takeaway: Raleigh offers a slightly more favorable tax environment for lower earners, but Salt Lake has lower property taxes—ideal for homeowners.
8. Lifestyle Costs: Fitness, Childcare, and Entertainment
Fitness
| Fitness Membership | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Gym Membership | $62 | $55 |
| Yoga Class Drop-In | $20 | $18 |
Childcare
| Full-time Childcare (Monthly) | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| $1,050 | $900 |
Entertainment
| Item | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Movie Ticket | $14 | $11 |
| Live Music Event | $60 avg. | $55 avg. |
If access to affordable childcare and entertainment options matters, Raleigh takes the lead—especially for young families and creatives.
9. Monthly Cost Comparisons: Singles and Families
| Monthly Costs Breakdown | Salt Lake City | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | ||
| Housing (1BR) | $1,550 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $400 | $375 |
| Utilities | $135 | $148 |
| Transportation | $180 | $140 |
| Health Insurance | $450 | $410 |
| Entertainment/Fitness | $150 | $130 |
| Total (Est.) | $2,865 | $2,553 |
| Family of Four | ||
| Housing (3BR) | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $950 |
| Utilities | $265 | $278 |
| Transportation | $400 | $360 |
| Health Insurance | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Childcare + Lifestyle | $1,300 | $1,150 |
| Total (Est.) | $6,565 | $5,888 |
10. What You Can Get for $3,000/Month in Each City
In Salt Lake City:
- Rent a two-bedroom apartment downtown ($2,100)
- Maintain a car and pay utilities comfortably
- Dine out twice a week and afford basic entertainment
- Personal healthcare but limited wellness memberships
In Raleigh:
- Afford a 3-bedroom house in suburban zones ($2,000)
- Cover utilities and groceries easily
- Enroll in a fitness club and daycare basics
- Have savings for occasional travel or investment
11. Conclusion: Which City Delivers the Better Deal?
If you’re a tech worker or digital nomad craving mountain views and a more developed public transit system, Salt Lake City still holds plenty of appeal—even with rising housing prices.
However, for young families, budget-conscious professionals, and those seeking a blend of East Coast charm with affordability, Raleigh may offer the better overall value in 2025. Its lower healthcare costs, better childcare options, and accessible home prices make it ideal for building a balanced and financially secure life.
Both cities are growing, attracting top-tier talent, and offering alternatives to price-prohibitive metros like San Francisco and Boston.
12. Next Week Teaser: Coastal Living Showdown—San Diego vs. Miami
Dreaming of ocean breezes and vibrant nightlife? Don’t miss our next edition comparing two of the hottest coastal cities in America—San Diego and Miami—to see which one offers better lifestyle returns in 2025.
13. Explore Zip Code Data at CompaniesByZipcode.com
Curious how these numbers change when you zoom into specific neighborhoods or zip codes? Use CompaniesByZipcode.com to unlock hidden gems, price insights, and business opportunities in your target city.
Search by individual zip codes to get hyper-local cost breakdowns, real estate trends, and more tailored insights for your relocation journey.