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Cost of Living in Utah

Is it better to rent or buy in Utah? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$102,363
$1,658/mo

Median in area: $1,658

$519,900

Median in area: $519,900

$103,980

If you Rent

🔑
$1,819 /mo
Base Rent$1,658
Est. Utilities$161
% of Income21.3%
Pre-tax Residual$6,711

If you Buy

🏠
$3,100 /mo
P&I (6.597%)$2,655
Taxes & Ins$284
Est. Utilities$161
% of Income36.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,430

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Utah?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Utah. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,819, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,100 per month (a difference of $1,281).

How much do utilities cost in Utah?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Utah is approximately $161. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Utah?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Utah without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $72,760 per year.