Denver, CO vs Salt Lake City, UT
Side-by-side rental cost comparison using HUD and Census data.
Affordability
Denver, CO: 28.8% rent burden, near the 30% affordability threshold.
Affordability
Salt Lake City, UT: 28.9% rent burden, near the 30% affordability threshold.
Annual Rent Difference
$4,932/year
Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $4,932 more per year in rent than Salt Lake City, UT, based on median rent figures.
Median rent difference of $411/mo × 12 months.
Core Metrics Side by Side
Denver, CO vs Salt Lake City, UT
Median Rent
Median Income
Rent Burden
| Metric | Denver, CO | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,665 | $1,254 |
| Median Income | $85,853 | $72,357 |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% | 28.9% |
| Population | 710,800 | 201,269 |
| Vacancy Rate | 6.3% | 8.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.6% | 53.0% |
| FMR Studio | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 1BR | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 2BR | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 3BR | N/A | N/A |
| FMR 4BR | N/A | N/A |
Denver vs Salt Lake City: Which is More Affordable?
Denver, CO has a median rent of $1,665 with a median income of $85,853 (rent burden: approximately 28.8%). Salt Lake City, UT has a median rent of $1,254 with a median income of $72,357 (rent burden: approximately 28.9%). (Source: Census ACS)
Despite Denver having higher raw rent, the rent burden tells a different story because incomes also tend to be higher. This illustrates why rent burden, rather than raw rent alone, is generally a more useful affordability measure.
Key Differences
Median Rent
$411/mo (32.8%)
Median Rent is $411/mo higher in Denver, CO. Denver, CO: $1,665 · Salt Lake City, UT: $1,254
Median Income
$13,496/yr (18.7%)
Median Income is $13,496/yr higher in Denver, CO. Denver, CO: $85,853 · Salt Lake City, UT: $72,357
Rent Burden
0.1 pts (0.3%)
Rent Burden is 0.1 pts higher in Salt Lake City, UT. Denver, CO: 28.8% · Salt Lake City, UT: 28.9%
Vacancy Rate
1.9 pts (23.2%)
Vacancy Rate is 1.9 pts higher in Salt Lake City, UT. Denver, CO: 6.3% · Salt Lake City, UT: 8.2%
What a $60,000 Salary Gets You
Following the 30% rule, a $60,000 gross salary supports up to $1,500/mo in rent before crossing the cost-burden line.
Denver, CO
Stretch$1,665/mo median
$165/mo over the threshold
Salt Lake City, UT
Affordable$1,254/mo median
$246/mo under the threshold
The 30% rule is a rough guideline, not a rule. Budgets vary with debt, family size, and lifestyle. Calculators on this site let you model your specific situation.
HUD Fair Market Rent by Bedroom
HUD Fair Market Rent data is not available at the city level for these cities. See the parent state pages for county-level FMR context.
Who Should Consider Denver vs Salt Lake City
Based on rent burden data, Denver may be better suited for renters prioritizing housing affordability, while Salt Lake City tends to appeal to those who may prioritize other factors such as job market, amenities, or lifestyle preferences that justify higher housing costs.
Both cities have distinct trade-offs. Lower rent does not automatically mean a better quality of life, and higher rent does not guarantee better opportunities. Your decision may depend on employment prospects, proximity to family, lifestyle preferences, climate, and many other personal factors that housing data alone cannot capture.
What This Comparison Doesn't Cover
This comparison is based on housing cost data from the U.S. Census Bureau and HUD. It does not account for job market differences, commute times, school quality, neighborhood safety, climate, healthcare access, tax burden, or other factors that significantly affect quality of life. Actual rents vary by neighborhood, building, and lease terms. Moving decisions are deeply personal, and we encourage you to research all relevant factors before making a decision.
For a deeper look at each city, visit the full profile for Denver, CO or Salt Lake City, UT.
Data Sources
**Data Sources:** - U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents
Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.
Disclaimer
StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.
Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.