Cost of Living in Utah: Full Breakdown (2025 Edition)

by Matt Wolfe

💰 Cost of Living in Utah: Full Breakdown (2025 Edition) 💰

Thinking of relocating to Utah? Whether you're planning to buy a home, start a new job, or simply enjoy the mountain lifestyle, understanding the cost of living in Utah is essential. While the Beehive State offers a high quality of life, how far your dollar goes will vary depending on the region.

In this 2025 guide, we break down the true cost of living in Utah—from housing and groceries to taxes and transportation—so you can plan with confidence.

🏠 Housing Costs in Utah

Housing is typically the biggest factor in Utah’s cost of living.

Location	Median Home Price (2025)	Median Rent (2BR)
Salt Lake City	$570,000	$1,750/month
Ogden	$440,000	$1,400/month
Provo	$525,000	$1,600/month
St. George	$490,000	$1,550/month
Cedar City	$360,000	$1,200/month

Quick Facts:

Utah’s home prices have risen steadily, especially along the Wasatch Front.
Cities like Cedar City and Tooele offer more affordable options.
Property taxes are lower than the national average (~0.58%).

🛒 Grocery Prices in Utah

Utah’s grocery costs are close to the national average, with some variation by city.

Item	Average Price (2025)
1 gallon of milk	$3.30
Dozen eggs	$2.75
Loaf of bread	$2.50
1 lb. chicken breast	$4.20
Coffee (12 oz bag)	$6.50

Farmers markets are popular and may help cut costs if you shop locally and seasonally.

⚡ Utilities and Internet

Utah has relatively low utility costs, thanks in part to its energy-efficient infrastructure and sunny climate.

Utility	Average Cost/Month
Electricity & gas	$140
Water/sewer/garbage	$75
Internet (high-speed)	$65
Cell phone plan	$60

Some rural areas may have limited broadband providers, which could affect pricing and speeds.

🚗 Transportation Costs

While Salt Lake City and parts of Utah County offer public transportation (UTA TRAX, FrontRunner), most residents rely on cars.

Transportation Type	Monthly Average
Gas (per gallon)	$3.90
Monthly UTA pass	$85
Car insurance (average)	$110

Utah’s wide layout and suburban sprawl mean higher commuting costs for those outside urban cores.

💼 Income & State Taxes

Utah uses a flat income tax rate of 4.65%.

Tax Type	Rate
State income tax	4.65%
Sales tax (avg.)	~7.1%
Property tax rate	~0.58%

Utah does not tax Social Security income for most retirees, and tax incentives are available for certain investments and education savings plans.

🏥 Healthcare Costs in Utah

Utah's healthcare costs are moderately lower than the national average.

Individual health insurance: ~$430/month
Family plan (4 people): ~$1,250/month
Typical doctor’s visit (without insurance): $130
Urgent care visit: $100–$200

Access to care is good in metro areas, but more limited in rural counties.

🏡 Is Utah Affordable in 2025?

Compared to other Western states like Colorado and California, Utah remains relatively affordable—especially if you’re strategic about where you live. The key is understanding your personal cost of living, career prospects, and lifestyle needs.

📊 Quick Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Utah	U.S. Average
Housing	Slightly higher	National average
Groceries	Average	Average
Utilities	Below average	—
Transportation	Slightly higher	—
Healthcare	Slightly lower	—
Taxes	Moderate	—

🏁 Final Thoughts

Utah offers a balanced lifestyle with growing job opportunities, strong communities, and access to nature—but affordability depends on where and how you live. Whether you're buying your first home or relocating for work, knowing the cost breakdown helps you plan wisely.