Cost of Living in Utah (vs Your State) Updated '24 Guide

The Utah market is on fire, and there are so many draws to the state including its affordability, breathtaking scenery, taxes, and more. You might be considering moving, whether it’s for a fun change, lack of affordability in your current state, a job offer, or family, and by the end of this piece you should have a better idea of where Utah ranks in terms of cost of living compared to your state! 

Overall, the cost of living in California is 42.4% more expensive than in Utah, and you’ll also avoid the notorious California traffic! Additionally, Los Angeles is 37.5% more expensive than Salt Lake City, Utah.

In Utah, you can expect to spend an average of $14.50 for a basic meal at a fast-casual restaurant compared to $19.35 for one in California. It will also cost you $3.85 for a loaf of bread in CA versus $2.80 in UT, $7.25 for local cheese in CA versus $5.60 in UT, and $4.20 for a gallon of milk in CA compared to $3.10 in Utah.

The cost of living index in Utah is 99.5, while California’s is 142.2, one of the highest in the country. In Utah’s most popular cities, you’ll pay around $1,850 for a two-bedroom apartment, while the same unit in California averages $2,900.

As of 2024, gas prices remain higher in California, where regular fuel averages $4.84 per gallon compared to about $3.81 in Utah. Taxes are still more favorable in Utah, so you won’t pay nearly as much as you would in California.

Comparing Utah and Arizona's cost of living reveals key differences. As of 2023, median home prices are about $450,000 in Utah and $350,000 in Arizona—making Utah's housing roughly 28% more expensive. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 per month in Salt Lake City versus $1,000 in Phoenix.

Utility costs differ due to climate. Utah residents spend about $150 per month on utilities, mainly for heating. Arizona residents pay around $200 per month, mostly for air conditioning.

Transportation expenses are similar. Gas prices in Arizona are slightly lower. Monthly public transport passes cost about $85 in Salt Lake City and $64 in Phoenix.

Food costs are comparable. An inexpensive restaurant meal is about $15 in Utah and $13 in Arizona. Groceries show minor price variations.

Taxes vary slightly. Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, while Arizona's rates range from 2.59% to 4.50%. Sales tax averages 6.94% in Utah and 8.40% in Arizona.

Healthcare is slightly cheaper in Arizona, with a doctor's visit costing $110 versus $120 in Utah.

In summary, Arizona generally offers a lower cost of living, especially in housing and healthcare, while other expenses are similar between the states.

As of 2023, Utah's median home price is about $450,000, while Florida's is approximately $365,000, making Utah's housing 23% more expensive. Renting a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 per month in Salt Lake City and $1,100 in Orlando.

Utility costs differ due to climate. Utah residents spend around $150 per month on utilities, mainly for heating during cold winters. In Florida, utilities average $170 per month, largely due to air conditioning in hot, humid summers.

Transportation expenses are similar. Gas prices in Florida are slightly lower. Monthly public transportation passes cost about $85 in Salt Lake City and $50 in Orlando.

Food costs are comparable. An inexpensive restaurant meal is around $15 in Utah and $14 in Florida. Grocery prices vary slightly depending on specific items.

Taxes differ significantly. Utah has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%, whereas Florida has no state income tax, potentially leading to substantial savings. Sales tax averages 6.94% in Utah and 7.05% in Florida.

Healthcare is slightly less expensive in Florida, with a doctor's visit costing about $110 compared to $120 in Utah.

In summary, Florida generally offers a lower cost of living, especially due to the absence of state income tax and lower housing costs. Other expenses like utilities, transportation, and food are relatively similar between the two states.

As of 2023, Hawaii's cost of living is significantly higher than Utah's. Median home prices are $450,000 in Utah and $730,000 in Hawaii—housing is about 62% more expensive in Hawaii. Renting a one-bedroom averages $1,200 in Salt Lake City and $1,800 in Honolulu.

Utilities differ due to energy costs. Utah residents spend about $150 monthly on utilities, mainly for heating, while Hawaiians pay around $200, largely due to high electricity prices.

Transportation is costlier in Hawaii. Gasoline averages $3.70 per gallon in Hawaii versus $2.50 in Utah. Public transportation costs are also higher in Hawaii.

Food costs are notably higher in Hawaii due to its remote location. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $15 in Utah and $20 in Hawaii. Groceries can be 30–50% more expensive in Hawaii.

Taxes vary. Utah has a flat income tax of 4.95%; Hawaii's rates range from 1.4% to 11%. Sales tax averages 6.94% in Utah and 4.5% in Hawaii, but Hawaii's General Excise Tax is broader.

Healthcare is costlier in Hawaii, with a doctor's visit around $150 compared to $120 in Utah.

In summary, Hawaii's cost of living is substantially higher than Utah's, especially in housing, food, and transportation.

As of 2023, Oregon's cost of living is generally higher than Utah's. Median home prices are around $450,000 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and $550,000 in Portland, Oregon—making housing about 22% more expensive in Oregon. Renting a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 per month in Salt Lake City and $1,500 in Portland.

Utilities are somewhat higher in Oregon. Monthly utility bills average $150 in Utah and about $180 in Oregon due to higher electricity and natural gas costs.

Transportation costs are greater in Oregon. Gasoline prices average $3.00 per gallon in Oregon compared to $2.50 in Utah. A monthly public transportation pass costs about $85 in Salt Lake City and $100 in Portland.

Food expenses are higher in Oregon. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs around $15 in Utah and $18 in Oregon. Groceries can be 10–15% more expensive in Oregon.

Taxes differ notably. Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, while Oregon's progressive income tax ranges from 4.75% to 9.9%. However, Oregon has no sales tax, whereas Utah's sales tax averages 6.94%.

Healthcare costs are slightly higher in Oregon, with a doctor's visit averaging $130 compared to $120 in Utah.

In summary, Oregon's cost of living exceeds Utah's, especially in housing, transportation, and food, while tax structures differ due to Oregon's absence of sales tax.

As of 2023, the cost of living in Colorado is generally higher than in Utah. Median home prices are approximately $450,000 in Utah and $550,000 in Colorado, making housing about 22% more expensive in Colorado. Renting a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 per month in Salt Lake City and $1,400 in Denver.

Utility costs are similar in both states. Utah residents spend around $150 per month on utilities, while Colorado residents pay about $160 per month, covering heating, electricity, and water.

Transportation costs are slightly higher in Colorado. Gasoline prices average $2.50 per gallon in Utah and $2.70 in Colorado. A monthly public transportation pass costs about $85 in Salt Lake City and $114 in Denver.

Food expenses are marginally higher in Colorado. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs around $15 in Utah and $16 in Colorado. Groceries can be 5–10% more expensive in Colorado due to higher transportation and production costs.

Taxes vary between the states. Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, while Colorado's flat rate is 4.55%. Sales tax averages 6.94% in Utah and 7.65% in Colorado, including local taxes.

Healthcare costs are slightly higher in Colorado, with a doctor's visit averaging $130 compared to $120 in Utah.

In summary, Colorado's cost of living exceeds Utah's, particularly in housing and transportation, while utilities and food costs are slightly higher. Tax rates are comparable, but Colorado's are marginally lower.

As of 2023, Texas generally has a lower cost of living than Utah. Median home prices are about $450,000 in Utah and $300,000 in Texas—housing is 33% less expensive in Texas. Renting a one-bedroom averages $1,200 in Salt Lake City and $1,000 in Dallas.

Utility costs are similar: around $150 monthly in Utah and $140 in Texas, with heating being the main expense in Utah and air conditioning in Texas.

Transportation is slightly cheaper in Texas. Gasoline averages $2.50 per gallon in Utah and $2.30 in Texas. Monthly public transit passes cost $85 in Salt Lake City and $80 in Dallas.

Food costs are comparable. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $15 in Utah and $12 in Texas. Groceries may be 5–10% cheaper in Texas.

Taxes differ significantly. Utah has a flat income tax of 4.95%, while Texas has no state income tax. Sales tax averages 6.94% in Utah and 8.25% in Texas, including local taxes.

Healthcare is slightly cheaper in Texas; a doctor's visit costs about $110 compared to $120 in Utah.

In summary, Texas offers a lower cost of living, especially in housing and taxes, while other expenses are similar or slightly lower.

According to Advisory.com, Utah is the No. 4 happiest state in the United States and for good reason! Below are just a few of the reasons so many are flocking to the bee-hive state (and who knows, you might be too after finishing this piece!)

And in case you need a refresher, check out 15 fun things to do in Utah and let us know when you’ll be packing up your bags!  

Utah has award-winning public transportation, with everything from well maintained highways, a growing light rail system, TRAX, and a stunning airport. The Salt Lake City International Airport is home to one of the largest Delta Airline hubs in the nation, so you won't have a problem traveling by ground or air.

“Utah boasts five national parks that will take your breath away. If you love a good natural sculpture, explore Arches National Park. Arches National Park features natural bridges, mountains with open-air arches, and sandstone towers you won’t believe. If the Grand Canyon is your go-to vacation, you’ll be thrilled to live in the same state as Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands. Hike to the top or travel by horseback to catch an incredible sunset over the water- and wind-worn sandstone ravines. Capitol Reef may sound like a place filled with tropical fish, but it’s actually a huge expanse of land surrounding a 65 million-year-old pinch point in the earth’s crust. Known as the Waterpocket Fold, this landform extends over 100 miles! Finally, enjoy the views from Utah’s oldest national park, Zion. Hike the steep red cliffs or follow the Virgin River to the Emerald Pools to take in the hanging garden and waterfalls. You’ll be amazed at all of the natural sights Utah has to offer!” - Market Apts 

According to Sofi.com, the average cost of living in Utah is $37,369 per year, which is the 31st lowest cost of living in the United States. Utah is growing rapidly, with no lack of housing so there are plenty of options to choose from, including one, two and three bedroom units at Ely at American Fork! 

“Depending on where you’re coming from, Utah’s tax system may not be that pleasing. That being said, their taxes are straightforward and easy to understand, which is always a plus! For starters, Utah is a flat-tax state, which means the income tax is 5% across the board. What that means is that whether you make $20,000 or $200,000, 5% of your yearly earnings will go towards state-run services and programs. The cost of homeownership may be high, but Utah’s property taxes are low. There are no estate taxes whatsoever, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs coming in from any inherited property. Utah’s sales taxes, coming in at about 6.94%, aren’t far off from the national average. Based solely on taxes, Utah may not be the most retirement-friendly place. They do tax Social Security benefits and withdrawals from retirement accounts. However, they’re certainly not the only state to do this, and their rates aren’t exceptionally bad. On the bright side, all those taxes will go towards state programs like those great highways and public transportation we mentioned earlier!”  Market Apts 

Utah gets an average of 48 inches of snow per year, so winter sports are where it’s at for Utahns! Utah has some of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in the nation like Park City, Deer Valley,  Snowbird, Sundance and Brighton to name a few. And for those of you who aren’t into things sports-related, get out your cutest snow gear and chill in the resorts with a hot toddy (or chocolate) in hand admiring the stunning views.

As you can see, you can’t beat the price of living in Utah. It’s a great place for families, young adults and retirees alike. Whether it’s job growth, housing opportunities or economic stability, Utah ranks first in all categories.

Of course, there are many other reasons to live in Utah besides that, such as the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful states. No matter where you are in Utah, you always have the amazing view of the mountains, and if you want to camp, bike, ride a motorcycle, golf, or ski- Utah is it!

Got a hankering for more awesome content? Check out our 'Cost of Living in Las Vegas' piece here.