Cost of Living in Utah [2025]
Salt Lake City is known for its backdrop of Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges, proximity to outdoor recreation, thriving job market, and as the religious center of the Latter Day Saints. The city is turning into a strong tourist destination and was home to the 2002 Winter Olympics. It's also home to the Family History Library, the most extensive genealogical library in the world.
Whether you want to ski on the weekends or hit restaurants after work, you can find what you're looking for in Salt Lake City. Here's how to measure its cost of living to figure out if living in this charming city is right for you and how to budget for your next apartment.
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:
| Cost of Living | Utah | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 114.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 93.2 | 100 |
| Health | 102.7 | 100 |
| Housing | 157.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $510,600 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 94.6 | 100 |
| Transportation | 91.2 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 91.0 | 100 |
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.
| Cost of Living | Park City | Utah | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 169.0 | 114.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 103.5 | 93.2 | 100 |
| Health | 98.7 | 102.7 | 100 |
| Housing | 382.8 | 157.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $1,454,500 | $510,600 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 95.6 | 94.6 | 100 |
| Transportation | 82.1 | 91.2 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 117.9 | 91.0 | 100 |
Where is the Cost of Living Lowest 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.
| Cost of Living | Ogden | Utah | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 107.2 | 114.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 92.3 | 93.2 | 100 |
| Health | 102.3 | 102.7 | 100 |
| Housing | 111.6 | 157.3 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $334,700 | $510,600 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 95.7 | 94.6 | 100 |
| Transportation | 86.9 | 91.2 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 91.7 | 91.0 | 100 |
How Much Is Rent in Utah?
As of January 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.
| City | Median 1-Bedroom Rent | Median 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $1,084 | $1,369 |
| Ogden, UT | $1,050 | $1,229 |
| Provo, UT | $1,226 | $1,246 |
| South Jordan, UT | $1,128 | $1,388 |
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 1-Bedroom 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:
| City | Median 1-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $1,084 |
| South Jordan, UT | $1,583 |
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a 2-Bedroom 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:
| City | Median 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $1,369 |
| South Jordan, UT | $1,902` |
How Much Does a House Cost in Utah?
Those looking to own property in Utah will find that median home prices, much like rent prices, are also on the rise.
| City | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $500,800 |
| West Jordan, UT | $519,100 |
Utah Transportation
Most locals around cities like Salt Lake City own cars to make the most of the metro area and get to nearby ski resorts and outdoor recreation. The city also has a robust public transportation system with commuter trains, buses, and a light rail. Locals take the FrontRunner from suburbs like Provo and Ogden to get to Salt Lake City. The light rail TRAX system stretches from Downtown across the valley. Whether you're going to the airport or ski resorts, getting from point A to point B is a breeze.
Uber, Lyft, and taxis can also be found in Salt Lake City. You can even bike your way through the city to take advantage of the outdoor beauty. Bike-sharing stations are available at GREENbike Station.
According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single Salt Lake City adult will spend an average of $10,948 on transportation in the state of Utah. Families of two working adults and a child should expect to pay $18,363. Fortunately, some of Utah's biggest cities like Salt Lake City are still a relatively affordable city compared to western cities like San Francisco.
Utah Food Costs
According to MIT estimates, single full-time employed adults in Utah that cook their meals (including snacks) spend approximately $4,120 a year on food. If you want to enjoy the trendy downtown restaurants and fine dining in Salt Lake City, expect to pay an average of $17 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. For reference, dining out in San Francisco costs about 31.2% more. 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 $2,838 a year. A family of two full-time working adults and a child will add up to $7,811 a year.
Utah Utilities
You should also factor your utilities into the budget you set for your cost of living. Research from Numbeo shows that a basic utility bill for a 915 sq ft apartment in an area like Salt Lake City will average $171.85 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 $139.60 to bring your total up to $311.45 a month.
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 $35.75 in monthly membership fees. To compare, a gym membership in San Francisco will run $97.10 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.
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Utah?
There is a technique to figuring out how much you should earn to live in Salt Lake City called the 30% rule. The rule stipulates you should spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. To live comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment that rents for 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.
The average salary you should shoot for is different from the living wage. The "living wage," or the minimum amount of money needed to live 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.
It's also a good idea to consider to consider the U.S. Census Bureau data. 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.
Areas like Salt Lake City are going to be more expensive than more rural or suburban areas. Consider that a 45-minute drive outside of Salt Lake City will take you to Provo, which is among the best cities for remote workers. If you're interested in living in a place that's perfect for the remote work environment and nearby somewhere with an affordable cost of living, Provo might be for you!
Final Thoughts
If you're interested in learning more about the cost of living in Utah, read our blog!
Now that you know the ins and outs of the cost of living in Salt Lake City, you can start your apartment hunt. Start your Utah apartment search today with this quiz.
FAQs: Cost of Living in Utah
How expensive is an apartment in Utah?
A one-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City costs $1,784 and a two-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City costs $2,367.
What is the cheapest rent in Utah?
The cheapest rent in Salt Lake City is a one-bedroom apartment, with an average rent of $1,784.
How expensive is it to live in Utah?
Living in Utah is relatively affordable. In Salt Lake City, Utah, rent averages $1,771 for a 1 bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in Utah amount to around $4,900 a year. Food costs $3,792 a year on average for a single resident of 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 3,337,975. It is the 30th-most populated state in the U.S.
Is Utah cheaper than California?
Utah is significantly cheaper than California. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, California sits at $4,146, while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City, Utah sits at $2,491.
What is a good salary in Utah?
The recommended salary in Utah is $5,920 per month or $71,040 annually. This total reflects a salary that would allow a renter to live comfortably and afford to cover the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City which sits at $1,771.
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