What Is the Average Cost of Living in Utah?

The cost of living includes expenses for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essential goods and services. Understanding Utah’s average cost of living provides an overview for individuals considering relocation or managing finances within the state. This article explores the components contributing to Utah’s cost of living, offering insights into typical expenditures.

Key Components of Living Costs in Utah

Housing represents a significant portion of living expenses in Utah, with costs varying based on ownership or rental status. The median home price in the state is approximately $592,000 as of 2025. For renters, the average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment is generally $1,100 to $1,150, while the overall average rent across all unit sizes is about $1,323 to $1,336 per month. Homeowners typically face a median monthly mortgage payment around $1,682, alongside an effective property tax rate of about 0.57%, which ranks among the lower rates nationally.

Utility expenses contribute to the monthly budget, with typical household costs averaging between $195.40 and $316.66 per month. This range includes electricity, which averages around $81 to $84.87 monthly, and internet services, costing approximately $77 to $97 per month. Natural gas bills average about $52 per month. Overall, utility expenditures in Utah are about 4% lower than the national average.

Transportation costs are another material component of the cost of living, with statewide averages indicating these expenses are approximately 9% higher than the national benchmark. For those relying on public transit, a one-way fare is around $2.50, and a monthly pass can cost between $65 and $85. Vehicle owners can expect gasoline prices to average about $3.45 per gallon, in addition to annual vehicle maintenance costs of roughly $1,200. The total annual transportation expenditure for a household can range from $5,316 to $15,073.

Food expenses are a consistent part of any budget, and in Utah, monthly grocery costs for an individual are typically around $259 to $278.41. This figure is somewhat lower than the national average, specifically about 2% less for groceries. Dining out is also a consideration, with a meal at an affordable restaurant averaging about $17 and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range establishment costing around $80.

Healthcare is a significant expenditure for many households, with average annual costs per person in Utah estimated at approximately $5,735. Health insurance premiums vary by coverage type and age. An average monthly premium for an individual is around $644, while a family of four could anticipate monthly premiums around $2,073. For those with employer-sponsored plans, the employee’s annual contribution is about $1,730.

Miscellaneous expenses cover a broad spectrum of goods and services. Annual entertainment spending averages about $2,482 per household, while personal care services cost around $768 per year. General miscellaneous goods and services account for approximately $707 annually. For families with young children, childcare costs are a notable expense, with infant care averaging around $936 per month and care for a four-year-old costing approximately $689 per month. These “other” personal expenditures can sum up to roughly $25,367 annually.

Geographic Variations Within Utah

While statewide averages provide a general overview, the cost of living in Utah differs substantially across its regions. Urban centers typically experience higher costs, particularly in housing, compared to rural parts of the state.

Salt Lake City, for instance, has a cost of living approximately 8% higher than the state average and 9% higher than the national average. The median home price in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area was around $551,200 in the first quarter of 2024, with overall monthly living costs for a family of four approaching $5,853.

Provo’s cost of living is slightly above the state and national averages by about 2%. Park City stands out as significantly more expensive, with an overall cost of living approximately 39.3% higher than Salt Lake City, and housing costs more than double. This reflects its status as a resort town.

Cities like Ogden align more closely with state and national averages for overall living costs. Ogden’s average overall rent is around $1,245 per month, and a one-bedroom apartment averages about $905, offering a more accessible housing market than Salt Lake City. Smaller cities such as Nephi and Cedar City present more affordable alternatives. Nephi’s cost of living is notably lower, about 17% below the state average and 16% below the national average, making it one of the cheapest major cities in the state. Cedar City also boasts a lower cost of living index at 98.1, indicating greater affordability.

Transportation needs also shift between urban and rural settings. Urban residents in areas like Salt Lake City may have more access to public transit options, reducing reliance on personal vehicles. In rural areas, personal vehicle ownership becomes more of a necessity, impacting fuel and maintenance expenditures more directly.

Utah’s Cost of Living in National Context

When examining Utah’s cost of living within the national landscape, various metrics offer a comparative perspective. Overall, Utah’s cost of living is moderately priced, neither among the most expensive nor the least expensive states.

Breaking down specific categories provides clarity on how Utah compares. Housing costs in Utah are notably higher than the national average, exceeding it by approximately 17%. This factor is a primary driver of Utah’s overall cost index. Utilities in Utah are about 4% lower than the national average.

Grocery expenses in Utah are slightly below the national average, by about 2%. Healthcare costs are generally on par with national averages. Transportation costs tend to be higher in Utah, exceeding the national average by approximately 9%. Other expenses, such as entertainment, grooming services, and clothing, are generally lower in Utah, by about 12% compared to the national average.