P
ark City and Jackson Hole are the most expensive places in Utah and Wyoming, respectively. Both destinations are hotspots for the ultrawealthy, with sprawling mansions, saunas, and fancy cars. However, only one of these locations felt like a place I could live.

    In September 2024, I visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming's most luxurious valley, and was awestruck by the opulence. The cost of living in Teton County, which encompasses Jackson Hole, is 78% higher than the state average. A few months later, I visited Park City, Utah, the most expensive place in the state, according to Realtor.com.

    From a vacationer's perspective, both destinations seem similar, but after learning about life in each area, only one seemed like a place I could move to. Park City and Jackson Hole are Western hotspots for wealthy Americans, with tech workers, retirees, and C-suite executives flocking to these locations from around the US.

    Park City is known for its world-class skiing and is part of the Silicon Slopes, a 50-mile area that has grown into a tech hub over the past two decades. The average household income in Park City is $247,300, with local real-estate agent Derrik Carlson saying his clients are techies, entrepreneurs, retirees, and CEOs from Chicago and the coasts.

    In contrast, Jackson Hole is best known for its proximity to Grand Teton National Park, with about 23,000 residents, including over 10,000 in the town of Jackson. The top 1% of residents in Teton County generate 142 times the income of the bottom 99%, making it one of the most unequal places in the US.

    Both locations are luxury ski towns with resorts and part-time residents, but Park City may be more affordable. According to Best Places' cost of living calculator, the cost of living in Park City is 69% higher than the country's average, while Teton County is 80.9% higher. You'll find cheaper groceries in Park City and cheaper utility bills in Teton County.

    Park City real estate appealed to me because it can accommodate a variety of budgets, with a selection of homes on the market for less than $1 million and plenty of condos listed for less than $500,000. In contrast, Jackson Hole has a primarily luxury market, with private property scarce due to 97% of land being public.

    Both places have walkable streets lined with shops and restaurants, but Park City's Old Town neighborhood was more vibrant during my visit. I could imagine stepping outside my home in Old Town and grabbing a coffee down the street. Jackson Hole's downtown is also walkable, with similar offerings, including the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

    While both locations have awe-inspiring landscapes, Jackson Hole's views are more dramatic, with the mountains standing taller and less developed scenery due to its proximity to Grand Teton National Park. However, I found it easier to travel in and out of Park City, which is just 30-45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport by car.

    Ultimately, I could only see myself living in Park City, as it seems more financially attainable and convenient for me.