Is Salt Lake City expensive to visit?
Salt Lake City is a great city that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Salt Lake City to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $122 per day, mid-range travelers spend $282 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $604 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Salt Lake City.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Salt Lake City is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Naples or Martha's Vineyard.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Salt Lake City Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Salt Lake City?
The average Salt Lake City trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Salt Lake City travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Salt Lake City cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Salt Lake City on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $122 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Salt Lake City, including Park City Hostel and Bposhtels SLC. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Salt Lake City will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $282 per person, per day.
In Salt Lake City, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport is a fantastic option for families, and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Salt Lake City here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $604. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Half-Day tour to Bonneville Salt Flats - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Salt Lake City
Hotel prices in Salt Lake City can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $147, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $274. Budget accommodations range from $107 to $379, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Salt Lake City for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $237. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $119 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Salt Lake City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Salt Lake City include:
- Salt Lake City Marriott City Center starting at $213
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City starting at $172
- Ellerbeck Mansion Bed & Breakfast starting at $181
- Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Downtown starting at $159
- Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown starting at $154
Staying further from the city in Salt Lake City could save you money with the help of a good public transit system, but higher transportation costs and a longer commute could be a downside.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City's public transit system connects to several major sights. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
Sadly, most parts of the city are not designed for walking. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $45 per person, per day, on local transportation in Salt Lake City. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Salt Lake City is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$45
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City - Arrival Private Transfer for $89 details
- Private transfer: Downtown Salt Lake City to SLC Airport for $46 details
- Private Transfer from SLC to Salt Lake City for $118 details
How much does it cost to go to Salt Lake City? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Salt Lake City will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Salt Lake City
Cuisine in Salt Lake City is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the city to discover. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Salt Lake City can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Salt Lake City is $86 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$86
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Salt Lake City is around $86 ($86) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $177. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Salt Lake City are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $26
- Lunch: $13 to $34
- Dinner: $26 to $60
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
One of Salt Lake City's specialties is called Fry Sauce, which is comprised of a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise, with some spices occasional added. The sauce was created by the local fast food chain, Arctic Circle, where you can enjoy the famous concoction. The city's restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Japanese, and American. Definitely check out Lamb's Grill, the oldest restaurant in Utah, it opened in 1919. Lamb's Grill serves American diner food with a historic atmosphere. Salt Lake has great places to relax and grab a drink, including The Bayou, where you'll find over 240 different kinds of beer from around the world along with creole food and live music. If you prefer something with a view, check out Gracie's where you can enjoy food and drinks on the patio that overlooks downtown Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Salt Lake City
The appeal of Salt Lake City is evident, thanks to its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Salt Lake City typically cost an average of $28 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
Salt Lake City is a very historical area and features beautiful architecture throughout the city that represents its lengthy past. The Utah State Capitol Building is a magnificent space built in 1916 and features tours for visitors to explore the building and its history. One of the most beautiful buildings is the Grand America Hotel, a 5-star hotel that is considered to be one of the most beautiful city hotels in the world. The hotel has jaw-dropping, huge, chandeliers and even a million-dollar mirror. When you've finished exploring the city's architectural gems, head over to the Hogle Zoo which lies at the mouth of the Emigration Canyon and sits on 42 acres of land. During the summer, enjoy a stroll through one of the many parks, including Liberty Park which has a small amusement park and paddle boats to drive around the pond.
Salt Lake City's location in the midst of nature offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, and boating. The city is also located near canyon hiking trails such as City Creek Canyon and the Red Butte Gardens which are great for novice and advanced hikers alike. During the summer, take a boat on the Great Salt Lake where you can travel to Antelope Island located on the lake and go swimming or hiking. In the winter, there are endless winter sports to enjoy and multiple world-class ski resorts. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can go on a Gallery Stroll in downtown Salt Lake and wander through the 20-plus art galleries and antique shops.
Museums and Attractions:
Salt Lake City is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Salt Lake City. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Great Salt Lake Flying Tour for $249 details
- Salt Lake City Bike and Brew Tour for $192 details
- EBike City Tour for $102 details
Salt Lake City, Utah
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.