Salary Needed in Utah: How Much to Live Comfortably in 2025

When people think of salary needed in Utah, the amount of income required to cover basic living expenses like housing, food, and transportation in the state of Utah. Also known as living wage in Utah, it’s not just about what you earn—it’s about whether that pay covers rent in Salt Lake City, gas for your commute, and still leaves room for emergencies. Many assume Utah is cheap because of its low taxes and scenic landscapes, but the truth is more complicated. Housing prices have climbed faster than wages since 2020, especially in Provo, Ogden, and the Wasatch Front. A $60,000 salary that felt solid five years ago now barely covers rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center.

The cost of living Utah, the total expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare in the state of Utah varies wildly depending on where you live. In Park City, a two-bedroom apartment can cost over $3,000 a month. In smaller towns like Logan or St. George, you might find something under $1,500—but then you’re facing longer commutes and fewer job options. Utilities are average, but internet and cell plans are often pricier than national averages. And while Utah doesn’t have a state income tax, property taxes are rising fast as demand for homes grows.

What about Utah housing costs, the price of renting or buying residential property across Utah’s urban and rural areas? A 2BHK apartment in Salt Lake City averages $1,800 to $2,400 a month. That’s higher than Austin, TX, and close to Denver. If you’re single and earning $50,000 a year, you’re spending nearly half your take-home pay just on rent. Add car insurance, groceries, and a phone bill, and you’re left with little room for savings. For families, the math gets tighter. Childcare in Utah runs $1,000+ per child monthly—more than rent in some states.

You can’t talk about salary needed in Utah without looking at job markets. Tech jobs in Lehi pay well—$80,000 to $110,000—but they’re competitive. Retail, hospitality, and education jobs? Often under $40,000. That’s why so many people work two jobs. The gap between high-paying roles and the rest is wider than ever. If you’re not in tech, healthcare, or skilled trades, you’ll need to budget like you’re on a tightrope.

There’s no single number that fits everyone, but here’s the reality: if you’re moving to Utah and want to live without stress, you need at least $65,000 if you’re single, and $90,000 if you’re supporting a family. Anything less and you’re either commuting an hour each way, living in a tiny apartment, or skipping meals to pay the bills. The state doesn’t make it easy to get by on minimum wage anymore.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what people actually pay for rent, taxes, and daily expenses across Utah’s biggest cities. No fluff. No assumptions. Just the numbers people are dealing with right now.