Cost of Living in Utah 2025 – What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about moving to Utah or just want to know if the state fits your budget, you’re in the right place. Below we break down the biggest expenses you’ll face, from housing to everyday bills, and share a few ways to keep costs low.

Housing and Utilities

Rent is the biggest chunk of most budgets. In 2025 the average one‑bedroom apartment in Salt Lake City costs about $1,300 per month, while a two‑bedroom sits around $1,750. Smaller towns like Logan or Provo are cheaper – expect $950 for a one‑bedroom and $1,300 for a two‑bedroom.

Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) add roughly $150‑$200 a month for a typical apartment. If you’re using electric heating in winter, the bill can spike to $250, so a smart thermostat pays off fast.

If you buy instead of rent, the median home price in Utah is $460,000. A 20% down payment and a 30‑year mortgage at 5.5% APR translates to about $2,300 monthly, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

Everyday Expenses: Food, Transport, Taxes

Groceries are about 5% cheaper than the national average. A family of four spends roughly $900 a month on food, while a single person can get by with $300‑$350.

Transportation costs vary. Gas averages $3.10 per gallon, and a typical commuter driving 15,000 miles a year spends around $1,600 on fuel. Public transit in Salt Lake City costs $80 for a monthly pass, making it a good option if you live near the downtown core.

Utah’s state income tax ranges from 1.5% to 5% depending on your earnings. Property tax averages 0.66% of a home’s assessed value, so a $460,000 house adds about $3,000 a year. Sales tax is 4.85% plus local add‑ons, usually landing around 6.5%.

Health insurance premiums sit near the national median – roughly $450 per adult per month for an employer‑sponsored plan. If you’re self‑employed, expect to pay a bit more.

Entertainment and leisure are affordable. A movie ticket is $12, a gym membership averages $35, and a weekend ski lift ticket in the Wasatch Mountains costs about $125.

To stretch your dollars, consider these quick tips: shop at farmers’ markets for fresh produce, use the UTA free‑ride days, and bundle utilities for discounts.

Overall, Utah balances a moderate cost of living with high quality of life. Housing is the biggest variable, so choosing the right city or suburb can make a big difference in your budget.

Ready to plan your move? Grab a calculator, plug in the numbers above, and see how Utah stacks up against your current expenses. You’ll have a clear picture of what life costs here and can decide if the mountain views are worth the price tag.