Cost of Living in Utah [2025]

Utah offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and economic growth. The state is famous for its breathtaking national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches, along with world-class skiing in resorts like Park City and Snowbird. Beyond its outdoor appeal, Utah has a booming job market, particularly in the tech sector, earning the nickname "Silicon Slopes."

From the vibrant city life of Salt Lake City to the scenic charm of smaller towns like Moab or St. George, Utah has something for everyone. Here’s how to measure the cost of living in Utah to determine if it’s the right place for you and how to budget for your next move. Let's get started!

Cost of Living in Utah

What Is the Cost of Living in Utah?

If you're considering a move to the Beehive State, it's important to understand the cost of living in Utah. Overall, Utah's cost of living is approximately 14.2% higher than the national average.

Although Utah presents a higher overall cost of living compared to the rest of the country, certain expenses like groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous are actually less expensive. We pulled the data together so you can see how it breaks down by specific expenses that will hit your budget:

You can also choose to get away from the cities and live in less expensive suburbs to make the most of your budget. For example, Ogden and Brigham City are more affordable options than Salt Lake City.

Where is the Cost of Living Highest in Utah?

Currently, Park City owns the title of the highest cost of living in Utah. This community known for its world-class ski resorts has a cost of living that's 69% higher than the national average, and 14.2% higher than the state average. Check out our Park City apartment listings for more information.

We also looked over the cost of living data in Park City, Utah to give a breakdown of different costs.

Where is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Utah?

Ogden enjoys among the lowest cost of living in Utah. It's still 7.2% higher than the national average, but 7% lower than the state overall. You can visit our Ogden apartment listings for more information, and look over the data below to get an idea of what you'll spend in this affordable Utah community.

How Much Is Rent in Utah?

As of March 2025, you'll find that the overall average price of the rent in Utah is $1,336. For a one-bedroom, you'll spend an average of $1,088 and a two-bedroom averages $1,264. Of course, how much you spend will depend on which area of Utah you choose to live. We pulled together some data to give you a breakdown of the current rent prices for both one and two-bedroom apartment units in some of Utah's major cities.

How Much is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Utah?

The overall one-bedroom apartment in Utah typically rents for an average of $1,088, but prices can fluctuate depending on the city you choose. To give you a clearer picture, here's a break-down of the median rental costs in some of Utah’s most popular cities:

How Much is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Utah?

The overall average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Utah is about $1,264. Of course, rental prices can vary widely by location. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to pay for a two-bedroom in some of Utah’s most sought-after cities:

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Utah?

Make the most of your budget in Utah by finding a place you can afford with the 30% rule. We recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment that costs an average of $1,088, you should shoot for an income of at least $43,520 a year, $3,626.66, or around $20.92 per hour.

Keep in mind that the 30% rule differs from the concept of a living wage. The living wage, is the minimum amount needed above the poverty threshold, is $22.52 per hour in the state of Utah for a full-time employed individual. That figure accounts for the essentials to cover housing, food and basic necessities, but doesn't cover debt repayments, travel, and savings.

We can also look at what the U.S. Census Bureau data says. Their info shows that the median household income in Utah is currently $91,750, or about $44.11 per hour. Depending on your job, this figure should put you in good shape to rent an apartment in most areas of Utah.

How Much Is Housing in Utah?

Now let's take a look at what different housing prices are throughout Utah. Like the rest of the country, housing is on the rise in Utah.

Utah Transportation

Most locals in Utah's cities and towns own cars, making it easy to access nearby ski resorts and Utah’s vast outdoor recreation areas. However, some areas, like Salt Lake City, can make the most of well-connected public transit system, including commuter trains, buses, and the TRAX light rail.

For those who prefer to skip driving, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, as well as traditional taxis, are readily available. Cycling is another popular way to explore the city, with GREENbike stations offering an easy bike-share option for short trips or scenic rides.

Transportation costs in Utah vary depending on household size and commute habits. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in Utah spends an average of $10,875 annually on transportation, while a family with two working adults and one child can expect to pay around $18,242. Compared to other major western cities like San Francisco, some of Utah's biggest cities like Salt Lake City remains relatively affordable places to live when it comes to commuting and getting around.

How Much Are Groceries in Utah?

According to MIT estimates, single, full-time employed adults in Utah that cook their meals (including snacks) spend approximately $4,173 a year on food. If you want to enjoy the trendy downtown restaurants and fine dining in Utah, expect to pay an average of $19.50 on a meal at an inexpensive restaurant without extras like appetizers and alcohol. Having dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant will cost you $82.50. In Ogden, an inexpensive dinner at an inexpensive restaurant is $14, and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people is $60, excluding alcohol and tip.

For reference, dining out in San Francisco costs about $120 for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant. If you decide to head to Utah from the Golden City, you'll end up saving money on rent, food, and entertainment.

Utah Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs are also a significant budget factor. MIT estimates based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found the typical cost of medical services for a single, full-time employed adult in Utah is approximately $3,070 a year. A family of two full-time working adults and a child will add up to $9,124 a year.

Utah Utilities

Your utilities will also make a big impact on your cost of living in Utah. Data from Numbeo shows that the basic utility bill for a 915 sq ft apartment in an area like Salt Lake City will average $171.04 a month. The estimated cost includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. If you want to add a basic phone plan plus Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), add another $145.62 to bring your total up to $316.66 a month.

Utah's temperatures vary depending on where you live. If you live in the mountains, you'll need to budget in more for heat during winter months. During summer months, locals in South Utah need to factor in more for air conditioning, where temperatures can soar to the 100s.

Utah Fitness and Entertainment

Salt Lake City's mountainous backdrop makes it a gorgeous place for biking and walking. Head Downtown to Liberty Park or get out of the city to the nearby Alta Ski Area or Fifth Water Hot Springs. If your workouts require equipment, or you're interested in taking some group classes, plan to pay $75 in monthly membership fees. To compare, a gym membership in San Francisco will run $98.14 per month on average. Setting up a small home gym in your apartment is an excellent way to save some money.

Salt Lake City also offers classic entertainment options like cinemas. Going on a date to see the latest blockbusters will cost you $12 per ticket, plus drinks and popcorn. Movie theater tickets in New York are priced at $20, while in San Francisco, you'll pay $17.

How Much Are Taxes in Utah?

There's good news for Salt Lake City newcomers looking to save a little money. All taxpayers in the state of Utah pay a 4.95% state income tax rate, regardless of their filing status or income tier. None of the state's cities have a local income tax. Utah does not have an inheritance or estate tax either, and property and sales taxes are relatively low compared to the national average.

Find Your Next Apartment in Utah

Now that you know the ins and outs of the cost of living in Utah, you can plan your next move. From snow-filled weekends to hikes and urban fun, start planning your next search for the perfect spot in Utah. Start your Utah apartment search today with this quiz.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Utah

How expensive is an apartment in Utah?

Where you live in Utah impacts how expensive an apartment in Utah is. The overall average rent in Utah is currently $1,323 a month. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,078 a month and the average cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,252 a month.

The overall average rent in Salt Lake City is currently $1,252 a month. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,084 a month and the average cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,369 a month.

The overall average rent in Ogden is currently $1,245 a month. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $905 a month and the average cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,166 a month.

What is the cheapest rent in Utah?

The cheapest rent in Utah is for a one-bedroom apartment, where the average rent is $1,078 a month.

The cheapest rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City is $1,084 a month.

The cheapest rent in Ogden is for a one-bedroom apartment that's $905 a month.

How expensive is it to live in Utah?

The overall average rent in Utah is $1,323 a month for all sized apartments. However, in a big city like Salt Lake City, rent averages $1,083 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. An average adult spends $4,173 on food, $3,070 on medical care, and $10,875 on transportation each year in Utah.

How far is Utah from California?

Utah is 791 miles away from California. It takes 12 hours and 50 minutes to get to California from Utah by car, 65 hours by bike, and 218 hours by foot.

How far is Utah from Las Vegas?

Utah is 399 miles away from Las Vegas. It takes 6 hours and 40 minutes to get to Las Vegas from Utah by car, 37 hours by bike, and 131 hours by foot.

How far is Utah from Arizona?

Utah is 570 miles away from Arizona. It takes 11 hours and 9 minutes to get to Arizona from Utah by car, 46 hours by bike, and 179 hours by foot.

What is the population of Utah?

The population of Utah is 3,503,613. It is the 30th-most populated state in the U.S.

Is Utah cheaper than California?

Utah is significantly cheaper than California. According to our latest data from March 2025, the overall average rent for one-bedroom apartment in California is $2,134, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Utah sits at $1,323.

What is a good salary in Utah?

The recommended salary in Utah is $43,120 annually, if you follow the 30% rule and spend no more than 30% of your gross annual salary on rent. This total reflects a salary that would allow a renter to live comfortably and afford to cover the median rent for the average one-bedroom apartment in Utah, which, according to our data, sits at $1,078.

If you live in Salt Lake City, where the average rent is $1,083 for a one-bedroom apartment, you would need to earn an average of $43,320 a year. You should also consider that the living wage in Utah is $23.91 an hour, or about $47,820, which only accounts for the bare necessiites like housing and food to live above the poverty line. You can also look at the U.S. Census Bureau data that stipulates the median household income in Utah is $91,750 per year.