Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A hair stylist in Salt Lake City earns roughly $36,230/yr (~$2,286/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,450/mo — that's 63% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
UT · 2026
Can a Hair Stylist Afford to Live in Salt Lake City?
Using local salary estimates and Salt Lake City's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a hair stylist in Salt Lake City, UT in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$36,230/yr local estimate
$3,019
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.65% state income tax
-$733
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,286
1BR rent
63% of take-home
-$1,450
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$355
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
-$14
After essentials, the numbers are in the red. This city is a financial stretch on a single hair stylist income — a roommate arrangement or 2BR split would change the picture significantly.
What Does 63% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 63% of take-home pay, a hair stylist in Salt Lake City is in difficult territory. Most financial advisors recommend finding a roommate, considering a cheaper area, or targeting salary growth before renting solo here.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $36,230/yr — adjusted from the national Hair Stylist median of $35,470/yr based on Salt Lake City's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Salt Lake City for a Hair Stylist
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
9th & 9th
Walkable village feel, independent shops, coffee culture, young professionals; 1BR $1,400–1,900
Sugar House
Parks, bike-friendly, small businesses, most livable SLC neighborhood; 1BR $1,350–1,800
Liberty Wells / Ballpark
Affordable, bungalows, TRAX light rail access, gentrifying; 1BR $1,100–1,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Hair Stylist in Salt Lake City?
A Hair Stylist in Salt Lake City earns approximately $36,230 per year, based on the national BLS median of $35,470/yr adjusted for Salt Lake City's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Salt Lake City affordable for a hair stylist in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 63% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Salt Lake City more feasible on a hair stylist salary.
How much take-home pay does a Hair Stylist get in Salt Lake City?
After federal taxes, 4.65% state income tax, and FICA, a Hair Stylist earning $36,230/yr takes home roughly $2,286/month in Salt Lake City.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Hair Stylist in Salt Lake City?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City costs a median of $1,450/month. On a Hair Stylist salary, that's 63% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.