Utah cost of living
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Moving to a new state is a mix of emotions — it can be full of new possibilities but also challenging and a bit scary. Don’t be too intimidated. Focus on figuring out the practical matters, and you’ll find it easy to settle into your new home. New friendships, new colleagues and new adventures await.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to Utah for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Utah is $1,723.04, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Utah spend $278.41 weekly on food at home and $107.54 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.45 in Utah.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Utah pay $1,730 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Utah
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Utah is $1,723.04, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Utah broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Utah had a median cost of $1,100 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,277 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,622 and $1,901, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Utah is $592,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Salt Lake City metro area was $551,200 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Utah ranks No. 43 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.57%.
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Food costs in Utah
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Utah is $278.41, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Utah residents spend an average of $107.54 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Utah
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Utah is $3.45, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Utah is $1,047.44, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transit opportunities depend on where you live in Utah. Salt Lake City is No. 10 in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. The average fare was $1.07 in 2022.
Health care costs in Utah
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Utah employees $1,730 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,016 of the $6,746 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Utah
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Utah is $84.87, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Utah costs $14.59 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does Utah’s cost of living compare with the national average?
As with other Rocky Mountain states, housing costs make Utah more expensive than the national average, according to our 2023 cost of living analysis.
How much do I need to make to live in Salt Lake City?
Our 2024 analysis shows that a single adult needs a salary of $65,910.54 to live comfortably in Salt Lake City.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
