Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $857 in New York versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, New York runs roughly 27% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,050 in New York and $74,925 in Utah — about 36% higher in Utah. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.1%
+2.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
4.50%
+6.4 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$857
$1,166
+36% in Utah
Median Home Value
$152,300
$495,700
+225% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,050
$74,925
+56% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.3°F
52.8°F
+4.5°F in Utah
New York vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Utah?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 27% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New York than in Utah?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $34,000 a year in New York versus $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or Utah?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in New York/Utah — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.