Cost of Living in Utah
Utah has 38 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Provo (cost index 87.3) to Washington (111.2), with a statewide average around 95.5 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Cedar City at $1,008/mo and highest in Saratoga Springs at $2,206/mo.
Utah at a Glance
Cities Tracked
38
with census data
Avg Cost Index
95.5
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,544
per month
Avg Household Income
$95,838
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Provo | 87.3 | $1,152 |
| Orem | 87.3 | $1,405 |
| Syracuse | 93.5 | $2,006 |
| Ogden | 94.9 | $1,128 |
| Clearfield | 94.9 | $1,459 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 111.2 | $1,581 |
| Sandy | 98.6 | $1,728 |
| Salt Lake City | 95.8 | $1,343 |
| Ogden | 94.9 | $1,128 |
| Clearfield | 94.9 | $1,459 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Utah
State Income Tax
4.65%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
4.85%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Utah
Utah Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Salt Lake City | 203,888 | 95.8 | $1,343 | $495,700 | $74,925 |
| West Valley City | 137,955 | — | $1,445 | $377,300 | $88,604 |
| West Jordan | 116,277 | — | $1,650 | $454,700 | $103,960 |
| Provo | 114,303 | 87.3 | $1,152 | $437,100 | $62,800 |
| St. George | 99,184 | — | $1,429 | $456,900 | $72,870 |
| Orem | 97,048 | 87.3 | $1,405 | $439,000 | $81,292 |
| Sandy | 94,723 | 98.6 | $1,728 | $562,500 | $111,242 |
| Ogden | 86,973 | 94.9 | $1,128 | $311,300 | $70,053 |
| Layton | 82,512 | — | $1,455 | $437,400 | $99,188 |
| Lehi | 81,039 | — | $1,798 | $567,100 | $125,860 |
| South Jordan | 80,331 | — | $1,806 | $614,800 | $126,400 |
| Millcreek | 63,342 | — | $1,444 | $579,300 | $98,502 |
| Taylorsville | 59,010 | — | $1,432 | $398,900 | $85,608 |
| Herriman | 57,336 | — | $1,870 | $554,900 | $118,446 |
| Logan | 53,923 | — | $1,070 | $341,000 | $56,764 |
| Draper | 50,159 | — | $1,812 | $726,000 | $130,680 |
| Murray | 49,904 | — | $1,447 | $470,200 | $87,864 |
| Eagle Mountain | 49,514 | — | $1,995 | $469,500 | $105,576 |
| Bountiful | 45,093 | — | $1,467 | $488,900 | $103,723 |
| Riverton | 44,944 | — | $1,826 | $543,900 | $119,093 |
| Saratoga Springs | 44,070 | — | $2,206 | $567,200 | $123,619 |
| Spanish Fork | 43,632 | — | $1,417 | $444,200 | $98,497 |
| Roy | 39,021 | — | $1,557 | $350,800 | $91,112 |
| Pleasant Grove | 37,544 | — | $1,588 | $454,300 | $96,347 |
| Tooele | 37,265 | — | $1,166 | $338,400 | $88,893 |
| Cedar City | 37,202 | — | $1,008 | $348,000 | $63,789 |
| Kearns metro | 37,058 | — | $1,644 | $334,400 | $83,355 |
| Midvale | 35,736 | — | $1,480 | $408,400 | $73,058 |
| Springville | 35,474 | — | $1,472 | $429,200 | $88,516 |
| American Fork | 35,312 | — | $1,665 | $467,900 | $95,823 |
| Syracuse | 34,009 | 93.5 | $2,006 | $531,600 | $132,459 |
| Cottonwood Heights | 32,984 | — | $1,697 | $641,900 | $116,583 |
| Clearfield | 32,895 | 94.9 | $1,459 | $342,000 | $75,429 |
| Kaysville | 32,861 | — | $1,423 | $583,700 | $128,996 |
| Holladay | 31,236 | — | $1,653 | $700,100 | $112,369 |
| Washington | 30,686 | 111.2 | $1,581 | $511,100 | $94,015 |
| Magna metro | 29,488 | — | $1,623 | $341,400 | $87,516 |
| South Salt Lake | 26,277 | — | $1,329 | $390,400 | $68,035 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Utah cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Utah cities stack up across the US. For example, Salt Lake City vs West Valley City.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Utah
What is the cost of living in Utah?
The average cost of living index across cities in Utah is approximately 95.5 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,544/month and median household income averages around $95,838/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Utah?
The most affordable cities in Utah by cost of living index are: 1. Provo (index 87.3), 2. Orem (index 87.3), 3. Syracuse (index 93.5).
What is the median rent in Utah?
The average median gross rent across cities in Utah is approximately $1,544/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Utah?
Utah's top marginal state income tax rate is 4.65%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Utah?
Utah's statewide sales tax rate is 4.85%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Utah?
Utah has a cost of living index of approximately 95.5 and average median rent around $1,544/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology