Average Rent in Salt Lake City: What You Need to Know Before You Move

BRUCE BIGFORD

Renting in Salt Lake City can feel overwhelming with so many neighborhoods and price ranges, but knowing the average rent in each area makes your search much easier.

Renting in Salt Lake City can feel overwhelming with so many neighborhoods and price ranges, but knowing the average rent in Salt Lake City makes your search a whole lot easier. In this guide, you’ll see realistic rent ranges for apartments and houses by neighborhood—plus the hidden costs (parking, fees, utilities) that can change what you actually pay each month.

What's the Average Rent in Salt Lake City?

Apartments:

🔹Studio: $1,150–$1,300/month

🔹1-Bedroom: $1,450–$1,550/month

🔹2-Bedroom: $1,630–$1,800/month

🔹3-Bedroom: $2,150–$2,775/month

Houses, Townhomes & Duplexes:

🔹Single-Family Homes: $2,200–$3,500/month

🔹Townhomes & Duplexes: $1,800–$2,600/month

🔹Premium Neighborhoods (Sugar House, Holladay, Cottonwood         Heights): Homes: $2,800–$3,800/month

🔹Affordable Neighborhoods (West Valley City, Kearns, Magna):

     Homes: $1,900–$2,500/month

The 2026 Shift: Why Salt Lake City Renters Finally Have the Upper Hand

Compared to major coastal hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, or Los Angeles, Salt Lake City remains considerably more affordable—but it’s no longer the "best-kept secret" of the West. However, there is a refreshing change for local renters.

After years of aggressive, steady increases, the rental market has finally hit a stabilization point. In fact, many Salt Lake neighborhoods are seeing slight year-over-year decreases (averaging about 2.7%) for the first time in a decade.

Why the shift? It comes down to supply. With thousands of new units hitting the market across the Wasatch Front throughout 2025 and early 2026, the "housing shortage" is finally catching its breath.

This surplus means that for the first time in years, renters actually have the leverage. If you are looking at newer "Class A" buildings downtown or in the Granary District, keep an eye out for concessions. 

Many landlords are now offering "one month free" or waived deposit fees just to stay competitive against the building next door.

Quick Tips for Renters:

✔️ Negotiate: Don't be afraid to ask for a lower rate or a move-in special.  A vacant unit is a landlord's biggest fear.

✔️ Look for "Lease-Ups": Buildings that are brand new (still in their first 6 months of opening) are the most likely to give you a deal.

✔️ Check the Utilities: With base rents stabilizing, some complexes are trying to make it up with "media packages" or valet trash fees. Always ask for the total monthly cost.

Most Affordable Neighborhoods for Rent in Salt Lake City

Budget-conscious renters gravitate toward these areas where one-bedroom apartments average $1,100–$1,350/month:

🔹 Rose Park
🔹 Jordan Meadows
🔹 Poplar Grove
🔹 Glendale

These neighborhoods offer solid access to public transit, parks, and daily amenities without the premium price tag of trendier areas.

Where Rent Runs Higher in Salt Lake City

Premium neighborhoods command higher rents (often $1,900–$2,200 for a one-bedroom) due to walkability, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle:

🔹 Sugar House
🔹 Downtown Salt Lake City
🔹 Capitol Hill
🔹 9th & 9th
🔹 Cottonwood Heights (East Bench)
🔹 Holladay (East Bench)

East Bench areas trend higher due to mountain views and proximity to canyon access.

The Bottom Line on Salt Lake City Rent

Salt Lake City rent prices reflect the classic trade-off: pay more for location and lifestyle, or stretch your budget further in quieter, less central neighborhoods.

The key is knowing what matters most to you:

🔹Commute

🔹Walkability

🔹Space

🔹Affordability

Choose a neighborhood that aligns with your daily routine and long-term plans.

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