Cost of living in Utah
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Utah are 1.1% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 98.9 (U.S. = 100), making it the #21 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Utah with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Utah prices
- 1.8% cheaper
- Take-home in Utah at $75,000
- $58,489$4,874 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $57,420$4,785 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +7.3%+$4,172 a year in Utah buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Utah take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Utah with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Utah as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Utah? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Utah prices by category
| Category | Utah | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.9 | −1.1% |
| Goods | 96.4 | −3.6% |
| Housing (rent) | 107.8 | +7.8% |
| Utilities | 78.7 | −21.3% |
| Other services | 99.0 | −1.0% |
Rents in Utah are close to the national average. The overall price level rose 3.3% relative to the nation versus 2023 (95.7). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Utah, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,311 | $40,689 | $41,157 | $50,575 |
| $75,000 | $16,511 | $58,489 | $59,161 | $75,862 |
| $100,000 | $25,270 | $74,730 | $75,589 | $101,149 |
At $75,000, Utah ranks #34 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Utah paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Utah equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Utah. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Utah once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | −3.4% | $72,443 | $71,571 |
| Wyoming | −6.2% | $70,317 | $65,535 |
| Colorado | +4.2% | $78,177 | $78,505 |
| Arizona | +1.8% | $76,375 | $74,177 |
| Nevada | +1.1% | $75,846 | $71,526 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −12.1% | $65,952 | $63,621 |
| Mississippi | −12.0% | $65,964 | $63,563 |
| Iowa | −11.2% | $66,578 | $64,127 |
| Oklahoma | −11.1% | $66,639 | $64,922 |
| California | +12.0% | $83,994 | $87,746 |
| Hawaii | +11.2% | $83,411 | $87,338 |
| Washington, DC | +11.2% | $83,373 | $86,198 |
| New Jersey | +10.1% | $82,541 | $84,236 |
| Texas | −1.8% | $73,629 | $69,069 |
| Florida | +4.6% | $78,452 | $74,415 |
| New York | +9.2% | $81,871 | $84,397 |
Moving from Utah to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Is Utah expensive to live in?
Utah has a price level of 98.9 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 1.1% below the national average. It ranks #31 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Utah?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $74,148 in Utah before taxes. After Utah taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,489 — worth $59,161 at U.S.-average prices, #34 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Utah?
Utah's housing price level is 107.8, meaning rents are 7.8% above the national average. Goods are 96.4 and utilities 78.7.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Wyoming (price level 92.7, −6.2% vs Utah). A $75,000 Utah salary is equivalent to $65,535 there after taxes.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.