Salt Lake City is a notable city known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Salt Lake City?
A typical traveler spends $282 per day on a trip to Salt Lake City. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Salt Lake City based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $86 on meals
- $45 on local transportation
- $237 on hotels
A one-week trip to Salt Lake City for two people costs, on average, $3,948. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,974
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,948
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One Month
Per person
$8,460
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,948
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$7,896
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One Month
For a couple
$16,920
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Salt Lake City cost?
A one week trip to Salt Lake City usually costs around $1,974 for one person and $3,948 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Salt Lake City on average costs around $3,948 for one person and $7,896 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Salt Lake City will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Salt Lake City on average costs around $8,460 for one person and $16,920 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Salt Lake City expensive to visit?
In Salt Lake City, budget travelers spend $122 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $282 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $604 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Salt Lake City.
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.
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?
Salt Lake City on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$52
|
$119
|
$229
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$19
|
$45
|
$86
|
|
Food2
|
$37
|
$86
|
$177
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$12
|
$28
|
$52
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-11
|
$9-26
|
$16-48
|
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, Bposhtels SLC, and SLC Hostel. 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 Antelope Island & Great Salt Lake Tour - 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
-
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
Salt Lake City is served by the Salt Lake City International Airport where you can either rent a car to get into the city or take a shuttle bus. For something more scenic, you can drive, take a bus, or take the Amtrak train into the city. Getting around is fairly easy thanks to the city being set up on a grid system. You can get around on the bus or the TRAX, which is the city's light rail system. The city also features plenty of bike paths throughout downtown, making it the ideal place to get around on bicycle.
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private transfer from Salt Lake City Airport to Hotels for $46 details
- Private transfer: Hotels to SLC Airport for $46 details
- Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Salt Lake City - Arrival Private Transfer for $48 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.
-
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:
- SLC Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off for $55 details
- Private Tour through the Wasatch Back & Alpine Loop for $200 details
- EBike City Tour for $120 details
Nightlife Budget in Salt Lake City
If you're in Salt Lake City, you'll notice that the nightlife is pretty gentle and relaxed. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Salt Lake City per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Salt Lake City. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Spirits of the Wasatch Distillery Tour for $20 details
Travel cost data last updated: May 31, 2025
Traveling in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah and one of the largest cities in the southwest region of the US. Salt Lake sits on the border between the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin regions, making it the perfect place for outdoor activities. The city's natural beauty and resources even became the focal point for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Salt Lake experiences all four seasons, with the most popular times to visit being summer and winter. Summer, June-August, sees little rain and temperatures in the high 80's Fahrenheit. Winter, December-March, has temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit and gets the perfect amount of snow for winter sports.
Neighborhoods & Around
Salt Lake City is divided into a few different neighborhoods, each with their own unique personality. The Downtown area is in the heart of the city and features art galleries, festivals, farmers markets, and plenty of lodging. Central City is home to Liberty Park and is often considered the headquarters for hiking and biking in the city and surrounding area thanks to all the gear shops there. Sugar House is one of Salt Lake's oldest neighborhoods, and most famous, thanks to its laid back vibe and slew of art galleries. Sugar House is also home to Sugar House Park which has 110 acres of trails, forests, and ponds. For the majority of your outdoor activities, head to Millcreek and Holladay which are the gateways to the Wasatch Mountains and other activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.