How Much Does Salt Lake City Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Salt Lake City serves as a high-altitude basecamp for world-class skiing and rugged desert exploration, offering a range of costs depending on the season. While it is generally more affordable than other American mountain hubs like Denver, winter ski trips significantly increase local prices. A solo traveler can expect to spend between $105 and $850 per day, with the higher end reflecting luxury resort stays and peak-season lift tickets. Outdoor enthusiasts will find the best value by utilizing public lands and city parks, though specialized gear and resort access require a planned budget. The city's proximity to five national parks makes it an ideal starting point for nature-focused itineraries that balance urban comforts with wilderness adventure.
Is Salt Lake City expensive to visit?
Salt Lake City is a moderately priced outdoor destination where daily costs typically range from $105 to $850 depending on your activity level and the season.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Salt Lake City
$105
per person /day
$310
per person /day
$850
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $315 | $930 | $2,551 |
| 5-Day Trip | $525 | $1,550 | $4,250 |
| 7-Day Trip | $734 | $2,170 | $5,950 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to add a 15% buffer to your daily budget to cover the 13.82% lodging tax and the standard 18–20% service tips expected at restaurants. During winter, additional funds should be set aside for potential resort fees which can average around $30 per night at mountain lodges.
How Does It Compare?
See how Salt Lake City stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Salt Lake City
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Stack Hot Cakes at Penny Ann's Famous for 'Heavenly Hot Cakes' made with sour cream. | $11 |
| Giant 23-inch Pizza (Cheese) at The Pie Feeds 5-6 people; the basement location near the University is a local landmark. | $33 |
| Mid-range Dinner (Main Course) at Red Iguana Expect a wait at this legendary mole house. Prices for standard entrees average ~$22. | $22 |
| Craft Beer (Pint) in Downtown SLC Utah draft beer is now 5% ABV by weight; stronger beers are available in cans/bottles. | $8 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| UTA Local Bus/TRAX One-way Valid for 2 hours of transfers. Free fare zone exists in a small portion of downtown. | $2.5 |
| UTA Day Pass Best value for visitors using the TRAX light rail to get around the city. | $5 |
| Ski Bus One-way Serves Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons; often included for free with most season passes. | $5 |
| Uber/Lyft Airport to Downtown A 15-minute ride. Surge pricing can apply during heavy snow or conventions. | $22 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget room at Evo Hotel Salt Lake City Centrally located budget option near the TRAX line. Prices can rise to ~$65 during peak ski season. | $48 |
| Standard Room at Little America Hotel A classic mid-range choice in downtown with large rooms and a famous coffee shop. | $185 |
| Premier Room at The Grand America Hotel The city's premier luxury hotel, featuring European-style decor and a full-service spa. | $420 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Snowbird Adult All-Day Lift Ticket Dynamic pricing applies; weekend walk-up rates can exceed ~$235. | $189 |
| Natural History Museum of Utah Admission Features incredible dinosaur fossils found in Utah. Open late on Wednesdays (until 21:00); check for occasional promotional pricing. | $25 |
| Salt Lake Explorer Pass (365-Day) Covers 16+ attractions including the Zoo and Planetarium. Pays for itself after 2–3 visits. Valid for 365 days from activation. | $120 |
| Utah Olympic Park Gold Pass Includes alpine slides and extreme tubing in summer. Winter bobsled is a separate higher fee. Pricing varies by demand. | $85 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo USA eSIM (50GB) Reliable US-wide coverage with 50GB data for 30 days (~$43). | $43 |
Other (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| America the Beautiful National Park Pass (Non-Resident) Non-US residents pay ~$250 for the annual pass (2026 rules). US residents pay ~$80. Covers entrance to all national parks for one year. | $250 |
| Red Butte Garden Admission Beautiful botanical gardens with hiking trails. Half price (~$8) in winter (Dec–Feb). | $16 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape ranges from legendary local institutions like Red Iguana, where a main course averages $22, to high-volume value options like The Pie, which serves a giant 23-inch pizza for $33 that can feed several people. Budget-conscious visitors can find breakfast staples like hot cakes at Penny Ann's for $11 or grab local burgers and meatballs at downtown favorites to keep daily costs low.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Lucky 13
$12–$18Ballpark · Local chain
Voted best burger in the city; try the Celestial Burger with bacon and cheddar.
Apollo Burger
$9–$15Multiple · Local chain
A Utah classic; known for burgers topped with pastrami.
Ruth's Diner
$14–$20Emigration Canyon · Bakery
Located in a canyon just 15 minutes from downtown; perfect for a post-hike brunch.
Moochie's Meatballs
$11–$16Downtown/Midvale · Local chain
Authentic Philly-style sandwiches and meatballs. Featured on Food Network.
Chungas
$10–$15Rose Park · Local chain
The Al Pastor (marinated pork with pineapple) is widely considered the best in the state.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around the urban center is efficient and affordable with TRAX light rail tickets at $2.5 or a full day pass for $5. For those heading to the mountains, the dedicated ski bus costs $5 each way, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive canyon parking and rental car fees.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options vary from budget-friendly rooms at Evo Hotel Salt Lake City for $48 to mid-range stays at the historic Little America Hotel for $185. Luxury seekers typically choose The Grand America Hotel at $420, which represents the city's highest tier of service and amenities.
Accommodation Budget in Salt Lake City
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 The Salt Lake Explorer Pass (~$120, valid 365 days) covers 16+ attractions and pays for itself after 2–3 visits.
- 2 Utilize the TRAX Free Fare Zone in the downtown grid to move between major hotels and Temple Square without spending a cent.
- 3 Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah on Wednesday evenings when hours extend to 21:00; check for occasional promotional pricing.
- 4 The America the Beautiful pass (~$80 for US residents, ~$250 for non-residents) pays for itself after two national park visits if you plan to explore multiple parks.
- 5 Eat at Penny Ann's for breakfast, where the $11 'Heavenly Hot Cakes' provide a filling start to the day at a low price point.
- 6 Take the $5 ski bus to Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons to avoid high resort parking fees and the stress of winter driving.
- 7 Visit Red Butte Garden during the winter months from December to February when entry prices are halved to roughly $8.
- 8 Fill your reusable water bottles for free at the Artesian Well Park located at 800 South and 500 East, a popular spot for locals.
- 9 Split a $33 giant pizza from The Pie with a group to bring individual meal costs down significantly.
- 10 Check local grocery stores like Costco for discounted multi-day lift tickets before heading to the mountain resorts.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug
+30-50%
Apr, May, Oct, Nov
-25-35%
May, Sep
Winter (Jan–Mar) is high season for skiers. Summer (Jul–Aug) is peak for hikers heading to national parks. May and September offer great weather with lower accommodation costs.
Events to Watch
- ● Sundance Film Festival (Late Jan through 2026): +100% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the historic grounds and visitor centers of Temple Square in the heart of downtown.
- 2 Tour the Utah State Capitol building to see its impressive rotunda and marble architecture.
- 3 Hike the 1.5km trail to Ensign Peak for a panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake.
- 4 Visit the Clark Planetarium and explore the science exhibits in the hallways for $0 cost.
- 5 Walk through the eccentric Gilgal Sculpture Garden to see unique stone carvings tucked away in a residential block.
- 6 Admire the modern architecture and rooftop garden of the Salt Lake City Main Library.
- 7 Explore the grounds of Wheeler Historic Farm to see farm animals and historic buildings.
- 8 Hike to 'The Living Room' on the shoreline trail for a unique view of the city from stone 'furniture'.
- 9 Visit the International Peace Gardens at Jordan Park to see floral displays representing different nations.
- 10 Wander through Memory Grove Park at the mouth of City Creek Canyon to see war memorials and scenic bridges.
- 11 Trace your ancestry for free using the extensive records at the FamilySearch Center.
- 12 Visit the historic Salt Lake City Cemetery, the final resting place of many notable figures from Western history.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Utah Olympic Park Bobsled Experience
The only place in the US where you can ride a real Olympic track with a professional pilot at 60+ mph.
Guided Backcountry Skiing
Access world-famous 'Greatest Snow on Earth' away from the crowds with expert safety guidance.
High Tea at the Grand America
A refined, multi-course experience in a stunning lobby lounge—perfect for a rest day from the mountains.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Salt Lake City
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Salt Lake City and what they cost
Park City
$10 by Express Bus (UTA PC-SLC Connect)
Free
$60
Antelope Island State Park
$40 by Rental Car
$15
$80
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
US Dollar (USD)
No
Everywhere including food trucks and transit apps.
Tipping is vital: 18–20% in restaurants, ~$1–$2 per drink for bartenders, and 15% for taxi/Uber drivers.
Plentiful. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Chase, Wells Fargo, Zions) to avoid high fees (~$2.94–$4.71 per withdrawal).
Connectivity
eSIM: $43 for 50GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
WiFi: Excellent in libraries, cafes, and downtown hotels.
Airalo is the most reliable eSIM for US coverage; local T-Mobile SIMs from the airport are slightly more expensive but offer more data.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Salt Lake City.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Complete Cost Guide
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