Utah Cost of Living: What It Really Takes to Live There in 2025

When people talk about the Utah cost of living, the total amount of money needed to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, and taxes in the state of Utah. Also known as living expenses in Utah, it’s changed fast since 2020—especially in cities like Salt Lake City and Provo. It’s no longer the cheap, quiet state it used to be. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City now averages $1,850 a month, up from $1,300 just five years ago. That’s not a typo. And it’s not just rent—groceries, gas, and even childcare are climbing faster than the Wasatch Range.

The Utah housing prices, the average sale and rental costs for homes and apartments across Utah’s urban and suburban areas. Also known as home values in Utah, it’s been pushed up by a mix of out-of-state buyers, tech companies moving in, and limited new construction. A three-bedroom home that sold for $400,000 in 2020 now goes for $650,000 or more in many suburbs. Even in smaller towns like Ogden or St. George, prices are up 40% or more. And don’t assume you’ll find a deal in rural areas—land that used to cost $10,000 an acre now often sells for $50,000 or higher if it’s near a city.

Then there’s the Utah taxes, the state and local taxes residents pay on income, property, and sales, which are among the lowest in the U.S.. Also known as Utah tax burden, it’s one of the few bright spots. Utah has no state income tax on Social Security, and the flat income tax rate is just 4.85%. Property taxes are low too—around 0.58% of home value, compared to over 1% in states like New Jersey or Illinois. But here’s the catch: low taxes don’t cancel out soaring rent and home prices. If you’re moving to Utah for the tax break, you’ll still need to earn more just to cover your monthly bills.

And it’s not just housing and taxes. The Utah rent prices, the monthly cost to lease apartments and homes across Utah’s major metro areas. Also known as rental rates in Utah, are now higher than in many parts of Texas and Florida. In Provo, a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,100. In Park City, it’s $2,800. Utility bills? They’re up 15% since 2022. Internet? $70 a month is standard. Even eating out costs more—coffee, lunch, and groceries are all priced like you’re in California, not the middle of the Rockies.

So is Utah still affordable? Only if you’re earning well above the state median income of $75,000. For most people, it’s no longer a budget-friendly escape. It’s a competitive, expensive market where you pay more for less space—and you’re still expected to love the mountains, the sunshine, and the low taxes. The truth? Utah’s cost of living isn’t about the numbers alone. It’s about whether your paycheck can keep up.

Below, you’ll find real data from recent posts about land prices, rental fees, and property taxes across U.S. states—including comparisons that show exactly how Utah stacks up against Texas, Virginia, and Austin. No guesses. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you move.