Debating between living in Denver or Salt Lake City? These high-altitude cities are among the best places to live near the mountains, offering stunning scenery, endless outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse job markets, reasonable cost of living, and more. Read our guide to Salt Lake City vs. Denver as we compare everything from climate and job opportunities to entertainment, affordability, and more, so you can decide which city is the better fit for your lifestyle and next home.
Should You Move to Denver or Salt Lake City?
Whether you should live in Denver or Salt Lake City will depend on your lifestyle, budget, personal preferences, and more. Denver might be geared more toward a younger crowd that prioritizes access to professional sports, robust nightlife, a large craft brewery scene, and more. However, young families seeking a quieter lifestyle, immediate access to the outdoors, and a lower cost of living could be drawn to living in Salt Lake City.
Consider Cost of Living in Denver & Salt Lake City
A city’s cost of living is one of the most important factors in deciding if a place is right for you, as it determines if you can comfortably afford to live there. In part because of their reputation as some of the top real estate markets in the U.S., housing is the highest cost factor for Salt Lake City and Denver residents. While housing adds to the higher-than-national-average cost of living in Denver and Salt Lake City, each city has its own mix of housing, taxes, utilities, transportation expenses, and wages that can make one a better fit for your budget than the other.
Denver Delivers a Premium Lifestyle
Potential residents prioritizing a big-city lifestyle and ample career opportunities might find Denver’s cost of living worthwhile. Despite high housing costs, Denver still has affordable neighborhoods, including the Golden Triangle, LoDO, Park Hill, and more. If you’re not interested in buying a home, consider renting in Denver neighborhoods like University, Baker, or Five Points. Denver residents also benefit from a median income that is about 33.5% higher than the national average, and helpful down payment assistance programs through metroDPA that help make obtaining a home a bit more realistic for some. Snowbirds looking to live in warm-weather states during the winter can also take advantage of the area’s strong vacation-rental market, using their Denver living space as a vacation rental property for winter sports enthusiasts looking for a place to stay.
Salt Lake City Offers Affordable Mountain Living
While there are several similarities between living in Salt Lake City, UT, and Denver, CO, including mountain scenery, outdoor lifestyles, and easy access to ski resorts, the two cities differ when it comes to cost of living, housing, and everyday expenses. Residents in Salt Lake City can expect to save on groceries, healthcare, and housing compared to Denver’s living costs. Some of the most affordable neighborhoods to live in SLC include Central City, Greater Avenues, and Sugar House—all three also being some of the best places to rent in Salt Lake City. Despite the overall Salt Lake City cost of living being high compared to the national average, the median household income is about 16% higher, helping to stretch your dollar further.
Q: Is Denver or Salt Lake City more affordable?
A: Salt Lake City is generally more affordable than Denver, in particular when it comes to housing costs.
Start a Career in Denver & Salt Lake City
Both Salt Lake City and Denver have great job markets, but they offer different opportunities for job seekers and those relocating for their career. The Denver job market is a bit more diverse, with major industries ranging from aerospace to healthcare, while SLC is well-known for careers in technology, finance, and more. Your industry and overall career goals may help you figure out which city is the better fit.
Dive Into Diverse Careers in Denver
Just like its job market, the universities in Denver offer a variety of studies that are sure to match your interests. Top Denver universities to enroll in include the University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and two-year institutions like the Community College of Denver. As one of the best U.S. cities for young professionals, and with a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, new graduates can put their degree to use in top Denver industries like aerospace and defense, technology and software, healthcare and wellness, energy and natural resources, and financial services. Some of the best places to work in Denver include LJA Engineering, American Systems, and Progressive Insurance. Other large employers include Denver Public Schools, the University of Colorado Denver, and UCHealth. Additionally, residents can seek out opportunities at Fortune 500 companies in Denver like Newmont Corporation and DaVita.
Look Around the Salt Lake City Tech Sector
Are you moving to Salt Lake City for your job? Salt Lake City is known as one of the best places for jobs and pro-remote work opportunities with a low 2.9% unemployment rate. Residents can prepare themselves for a career in Salt Lake City by pursuing a degree at top local universities like the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, and Westminster University. When it comes to top industries, the technology sector is often rated near the top for Salt Lake City, with the city and other surrounding areas being known as the Silicon Slopes. In addition to tech, residents can seek out opportunities in top Salt Lake City industries like healthcare and social assistance, technical services, manufacturing, finance, transportation, and more.
Q: Is Denver or Salt Lake City better for jobs?
A: Denver generally offers a larger and more diversified economy with higher average salaries, while Salt Lake City features a lower cost of living and a booming tech sector.
Use Public Transportation in Denver & Salt Lake City
When you’re debating on living in Salt Lake City vs. Denver, one of the more important things to consider is how you’ll get around either metro area. While both cities are large metro areas, they’re also places where you don’t need a car to get to where you need to be. Take advantage of the following options for public transportation in Denver and Salt Lake City.
Find Robust Transportation in Denver
Getting to your destination in Denver is simple thanks to the variety of transportation available to residents. Get ready for your next trip at the Amtrak Station in Denver, where you can catch a ride to marquee destinations like Chicago, San Francisco, Omaha, and more. For shorter trips to Downtown Denver, hop aboard the Denver Trolley, or ride the RTD Light Rail for a broader range of more than 50 destinations within the city. Take advantage of the free shuttle service provided by the 16th Street FreeRide that travels along the 16th Street pedestrian corridor, with stops at every intersection. Travel stress-free to popular Denver mountain spots and ski resorts on the Bustang. Keep the keys at home while you maintain an active lifestyle by utilizing Denver’s Shared Bike and Scooter Program. Fly to your next destination out of state when you hitch a flight from the Denver International Airport.
Utilize Convenient Salt Lake City Public Transportation
One of the best parts about moving to Salt Lake City is the robust transportation systems that help make it easier to use your car less and keep the air quality clean. The public transportation in Salt Lake City, along with several sustainability initiatives, contributes to high-quality and clean living in the city. Hop on the FrontRunner commuter train to travel across the SLC metro with several stops towards Ogden, including Clearfield, Layton, South Jordan, and more. Embark on the UTA buses to stop by local SLC neighborhoods, nearby ski resorts, hospitals, and other landmarks. Students, commuters, and other residents ride the TRAX light rail system to get from neighborhood to neighborhood in SLC via the blue, red, and green lines. Take your next international trip with a flight from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Or travel short distances in town and take advantage of bike rentals via GREENbike.
Q: Can you live in Denver or Salt Lake City without a car?
A: Yes, living without a car is possible in Denver and Salt Lake City, depending on where you live and if you reside in a centrally located neighborhood with access to public transportation. Both cities have light rail systems and walkable urban areas, though getting around without a car can be more difficult in the suburbs.
Experience Mountain Views in Denver & Salt Lake City
No matter if you’re thinking about moving to Denver or Salt Lake City, both cities are considered some of the best for outdoor recreation. From hiking trails in the spring to skiing down the slopes in the winter, you can stay active outdoors in Salt Lake City and Denver. Learn what outdoor activities each city has to offer below.
Trek Through Denver Nature Sites
The Denver climate is semi-arid with about 245 days of sun a year, and an average snowfall of about 60 inches per year—offering residents the opportunity to be outdoors during all four seasons. Something to keep in mind when considering a move to Denver is its high altitude, which sits one mile above sea level. The elevation means thinner air and less protection from the sun. With proper preparation, such as drinking more water, monitoring alcohol intake, and eating foods high in potassium, you should be able to handle the high elevation more easily. Attend the summer concert series, learn about fungi, and explore the Mordecai Children’s Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Experience yoga in the park, immerse yourself in the flower garden, and walk around the lake at the 155-acre Washington Park. Travel to east central Denver to play on the tennis courts, throw some horseshoes, and walk around the lake at City Park. Head just outside Denver to hike or bike the Funicular Trail or Mt. Vernon Creek trails, join an exercise group, and more at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. One of the best parts of moving to Denver is its convenient proximity to nearby ski resorts; three local resorts to check out, all within two hours of Denver, include Echo Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, and Winter Park Resort.
Experience Salt Lake City Outdoors
Salt Lake City weather consists of around 222 days of sun and an average of 54 inches of snow each year, making this a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Some of the best places to ski near Salt Lake City include locations under an hour away from the city, like Alta Ski Area, Deer Valley Resort, Brighton Ski Resort, and more. Aside from skiing, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Salt Lake City that you can enjoy outside of winter. Walk through 100 acres of themed gardens, discover more than 3,000 species of plants, and attend the outdoor concert series at the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum. Bring your dog on a walk or go at it alone when you hike to see one of the best views in Salt Lake City at the top of Ensign Peak Nature Park. Stay in town and enjoy SLC parks like Liberty Park, Sugar House Park, or travel 41 miles north of the city to visit Antelope Island State Park. Lace your hiking boots to explore Salt Lake City trails like Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Millcreek Canyon, and The Living Room Trail.
Q: Which city has better access to hiking, Denver or Salt Lake City?
A: Salt Lake City offers more convenient access to hiking than Denver. The city sits directly at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, while many of Denver’s high-alpine hiking areas require a 45- to 60-minute drive or more.
Find Your Community in Denver or Salt Lake City
From unique live music venues to art installations, fun festivals, and nightlife, Salt Lake City and Denver each have a distinct cultural experience. Explore the vibrant arts and music scene in Denver, or immerse yourself in Salt Lake City’s laid-back environment shaped by its connection to the outdoors and growing entertainment options.
Dive into Denver’s Rich Cultural Scene
The Queen City of the West has something for everyone to partake in, from celebrating culinary excellence to cheering on several professional sports teams. Celebrate the art of beer brewing, enjoy food from acclaimed chefs, and listen to live music at the Great American Beer Festival. Head to Downtown Denver to support the LGBTQ community, visit more than 250 exhibitors, fill up on 30 different food vendors, and more at the annual Denver PrideFest. Celebrate Asian and Asian-American culture that regularly draws in over 200,000 attendees, more than 200 vendors and performers, and more at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. Discover the Denver art scene by stopping by local museums like the Denver Art Museum, The American Museum of Western Art – The Anschutz Collection, and the immersive Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station. Get ready to be a sports fan when you root for the Denver Broncos (NFL) at Empower Field at Mile High. Grab your foam finger to head over to Ball Arena to support the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). Take part in America’s pastime to see the Colorado Rockies (MLB) knock it out of the park at Coors Field.
Soak Up the Salt Lake City Spirit
Salt Lake City has a deep and rich history that consists of several Native American tribes like the Pueblo People, and then the Mormon settlement at the north end of the city in 1847. Today, the culture in Salt Lake City has more variety than it used to, with everything from contemporary art museums to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the region—there is something for everyone to celebrate. Spark your curiosity with cultural exhibits like Onishi Yasuaki: Stone on Boundary at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Check out modern art styles and attractions like Altered States in the Acid West at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. Save a spot on the parade route, dance your heart to live music from multiple stages, and more at the Utah Pride Festival. Enjoy a free experience that embraces Utah’s diverse population with food from around the world, dance performances, and live music at the Living Traditions Festival. Support indie music at Utah State Fairpark and connect with the community at the three-day Kilby Block Party. Take in the sound of music performed by nationally recognized and upcoming recording artists in downtown SLC at the Twilight Concert Series. Get your team gear ready when you head to the Delta Center to support the Utah Mammoth (NHL) and Utah Jazz (NBA). Get hyped to see the Real Salt Lake (MLS) and Utah Royals (FC) defend the pitch at America First Field.
Q: Is Denver or Salt Lake City better suited for Sports Fans?
A: Denver is better suited for dedicated sports fans due to its year-round major league representation and larger stadium density. But Salt Lake City does have several professional and amateur teams for residents to root for.
Explore Family Life in Denver & Salt Lake City
You can raise a family in both Salt Lake City and Denver, but it’s up to your individual needs to figure out what metro area would be a better fit. See below to find out what makes each city ideal for families.
Enjoy the Denver Family Lifestyle
If you’re moving to Denver with a family, then you’ll be pleased to see the quality of some of the best high schools in the area, like Denver School of the Arts, East High School, and D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School. Younger kids have the chance to receive a great education at top elementary schools in Denver, like Polaris Elementary, Slavens K-8 School, and Bromwell Elementary School. And Denver’s family-friendly neighborhoods like Cherry Creek, Park Hill, and Washington Park offer families the opportunity to connect with their communities, access the great outdoors in Denver, and more. Keep your family engaged through interactive exhibits like The World’s Largest Dinosaurs, documentary screenings, and science camps at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Celebrate animal birthday parties, enroll your kids in Safari Camps, and meet exotic animals at the Denver Zoo.
Raise a Family in Salt Lake City
Want to move your family to Salt Lake City? The city is filled with high-quality Salt Lake City schools to choose from, and plenty of fun things to do with kids of all ages in family-friendly neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. Prepare your kids for college by enrolling them in top SLC Schools like Beehive Science and Technology Academy, Skyline High School, and Itineris Early College High School. Check out dozens of skeletal reconstructions of dinosaurs, learn about insects in Bug World, and explore archaeology collections at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Take a tour of the giraffe barn, hop on the carousel ride with your children, and check out the Great Apes exhibit featuring the Bornean Orangutan at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Watch educational nature documentaries in an IMAX Theatre, explore exhibits spanning three floors, and attend events like Fun Science Fridays at Clark Planetarium. Go on a trail ride, explore the homes and shops of Utah Settlers, and more at This is the Place Heritage Park.
Q: Is it better to raise a family in Denver or Salt Lake City?
A: Both offer different qualities that make them a great place to raise a family. Denver offers a larger, metropolitan environment with robust family leave policies and a diverse, transplant-heavy population, whereas Salt Lake City provides closer mountain access, a family-centric culture, and a slightly lower overall cost of living.
Enjoy Making Connections in Denver & SLC
Looking for cool places to live in Denver or Salt Lake City? Both cities offer exciting job opportunities, fun social scenes, and unique nightlife spots to connect with the local community. See what these mountain-side cities have to offer singles and young professionals.
Unwind in Denver’s Nightlife
With its booming aerospace and technology career market and unmatched access to the Rocky Mountains, varied outdoor recreation, and vibrant nightlife—it’s easy to see why Denver is one of the best cities for singles. Some of the top neighborhoods in Denver for singles and young professionals include Capitol Hill, Highland, and LoDo, which offer access to a variety of amenities and things to do. Experience the best Denver rooftop bars with breathtaking mountain views like 54thirty, Rare Bird, and Rook. Or if you prefer something more private, visit one of the best speakeasies in Denver for themed creations like Demon of Paradise, the Love Witch, and the Machine Girls at Retrograde. Or visit one of the top breweries on the Denver Beer Trail like Denver ChopHouse & Brewery, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, and Wynkoop Brewing Company. Get tickets to see live performances from nationally touring acts like Cole Swindell, Bleachers, and the Zac Brown Band at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Tickle your funny bone with performances from Alonzo Bodden, Jordan Jensen, and more at Comedy Works.
Experience the Unique Salt Lake City Scene
While Salt Lake City has a reputation for its strict liquor laws, you can still find ways to engage with the community in a fun way at night! Check out top Salt Lake City breweries like Red Rock Brewing, where you can grab a Buffalo Chicken Pizza and pair it with tasty brews like Wooly or Landline. Stop by one of the oldest breweries in Utah to sip on rotating beers like Fisher Beer, Space Cowgirl, and Art of Haze at Fisher Brewing. Dance the night away to live DJ music at Sky SLC, a 15,000-square-foot open-air venue. Sip on craft cocktails like a Hugo Spritz and Snake Eyes while listening to live music at the multi-room Lake Effect. Listen to live jazz in Utah while trying out unique drinks like Noir Nights, Iron Works, Vanishing Act, and more at the subterranean Repeal Utah. Head over to one of the best SLC music venues to see acts like Knox, Matt Hansen, and Dragonforce at the Depot. Or head out with friends to laugh all night with performances from Therapy Gecko, David Cross, and Christina P at Wise Guys Comedy Club at the Gateway.
Q: Which city has better nightlife, Denver or Salt Lake City?
A: Denver has better nightlife than Salt Lake City, offering a wider variety of open bars, late-night music venues, and relaxed alcohol laws. Denver’s options range from electronic dance clubs in LoDo to craft breweries in RiNo and live music venues like Red Rocks. SLC has a smaller, more concentrated cluster of cocktail bars, craft breweries, and music spaces, heavily influenced by local demographics and state regulations.
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