Average Rent in Salt Lake City 2026
Salt Lake City Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,750
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,150
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Salt Lake City
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Salt Lake City renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,400 | $1,750 | $2,150 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $100 | $125 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $16 | $19 | $22 |
| Total monthly | $1,586 | $1,964 | $2,392 |
Utility estimates scale with Salt Lake City’s cost of living index (107). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Salt Lake City
107
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Salt Lake City's cost of living index is 107, which is 7% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Salt Lake City at a Glance
Population
200K
Median Income
$63,138
COL Index
107
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Salt Lake City?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Salt Lake City by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,400/mo | $56,000 | $26.92/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,750/mo | $70,000 | $33.65/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,150/mo | $86,000 | $41.35/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Salt Lake City at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Salt Lake City apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | 1-bedroom |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $875 in Salt Lake City — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Salt Lake City
Save $525/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,400
per month
Split 2BR
$875
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,300
per year
Instead of paying $1,400 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,750) with one roommate brings your share to $875. That is $6,300 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Salt Lake City
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,400–$2,800
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,400
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,400
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Salt Lake City: $2,850–$5,600 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, UT does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Salt Lake City Compares to Other US Cities
Salt Lake City sits slightly above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Salt Lake City
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Salt Lake City Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Salt Lake City rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Salt Lake City
Is Salt Lake City expensive to rent in?
Salt Lake City rents have climbed with the tech boom. A 1-bedroom averages $1,400 per month in 2026. Sugar House and downtown are premium areas, while West Valley City and Murray offer cheaper options within a short commute.
How much income do you need to rent in Salt Lake City?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,667 per month ($56,000 annually) to afford an average $1,400/month 1-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Salt Lake City?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,750/month) with one roommate brings your share to $875, saving $525 per month or $6,300 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Salt Lake City?
Renters in Salt Lake City typically pay about $100 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $16 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $186 on top of your $1,400 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Salt Lake City?
Most Salt Lake City landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,400 for a 1-bedroom at the Salt Lake City average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($2,800), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Salt Lake City affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Salt Lake City is $63,138, which comes out to about $5,262 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,400, that's roughly 27% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Salt Lake City?