Utah is located in the Mountain West region in the United States.
This state borders some of the most famous US states, such as Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.
As a state with the 4th highest population(over three million), it is also in the 13th place by size area.
“Ute” earned the name which verbatim tells “people of the mountains” since Utah is famous for skiing.
Moreover, this state is well-known for the Sundance Film Festival, one of the world’s exclusive independent movie celebrations.
Another impressive fact about Utah is excellent education schools like Salt Lake Community College, Westminster University, and Brigham Young University.
It is also necessary to note that you can find many vacation destinations, national parks, and around 50 state parks and recreation areas in this state.
Knowing all these fascinating things about Utah, you are probably wondering about the cost of living here.
Here is a complete guide describing the actual cost of living in Utah, and at the top of that- which cities in Utah are the top five most expensive for a living.
Contents
The Cost of Living in This State
Most importantly – one of the most optimistic things about Utah is its low living costs.
Yes- Utah is one of the most inexpensive states in the United States.
But, in some areas in the state of Utah, the cost of living will be much higher.
These areas are naturally the most expensive- such as Salt Lake City, Orem, Provo, West Valley City, and West Jordan.
However, they are still lower than nationwide.
The usual home price in Utah is from $220,000 to the most expensive – $350,000.
Also, rental prices are pretty identical to national standards too.
In practice, here is a shortlist of the most common prices for renting a studio and two-bedroom apartments.
In Salt Lake City, the usual price for renting a studio is $900, while a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,400.
In West Jordan, the prices for renting are much higher than in Salt Lake City – $1,000 and $1,800.
Those prices are a little less overpriced in Orem and West Valley – for a studio-$800 and a two-bedroom apartment- $1,100.
Summing up, we can certainly note that the average rent is around $1,150 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.
As for housing, the regular home price is $280,000 across the whole territory of this state.
Transportation Costs
As we said before in the text, Utah is 13th place by large area, which means that getting around the state can be very challenging.
Although there is an excellent transportation system, we highly advise you to keep your automobile here.
However, if you decide to rely on public transportation, here are the expenses you will have.
One-way fares are around $2.30, while monthly passes cost less than $80.
There are round-trip fares for just $4.
Food Costs
Even though are lower food prices, the primary thing here is its combination of brilliant meals and local dishes consumed exclusively here.
Precisely in this state were invited many well-known meals like funeral potatoes with cheese, sour cream, cornflakes and famous fry sauce invented by Don Carlos Edwards.
Also, there are many well-known restaurants like Cliffside Restaurant, Communal, and Farm Restaurant.
The ordinary adult in Utah spends less than $4,000 per year on food, somewhere around $300 per one month.
These expenses are not so overpriced – but they are associated only with foods in supermarkets.
In that matter, here is a list of the prices for most essential things in Utah.
For bread loaf $3.15, for a gallon of milk – around $2, and an egg carton(regular 12) – $3.35.
National and State Parks Costs
Utah is one of the famous attractions for many visitors due to the many state and national parks.
But although it is one of the cheaper states for living, the entrances for these famous parks are not so low-costed.
For example, entrance for incredible national parks varies from $7 to $25 per vehicle, or per person around $5-$15.
If you prefer the entrance for America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, it will give you access to all famous parks for the price of $85 per one year.
As for the state parks (as some of the most popular, like Dead Horse Point State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Snow Canyon State Park) with a yearly pass is roughly $90 per Utah citizen.
The Most Expensive Cities in Utah
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is one of the most famous cities in Utah, the capital city, so consequently, it is one of the most expensive ones.
Usually, the downtown places in this city are more costly.
Housing and renting prices in Salt Lake City are incredibly high compared to the house prices in additional cities across the Utah State.
The regular home price is $303,450.
As for food- in this city is some of the most varied cuisines you can discover in the whole state, either in restaurants or in supermarkets – for a not so lowly price.
Utilities and transportation costs in this city are also in the line of expensive things.
West Valley City
West Valley City is famous for its attractions across its territory.
The cost of living here is 5% above the Utah standards.
On the other hand, it is still 1% below the national standards.
The healthcare costs in this city cause it the second most expensive city for living here.
For one short visit to the doctor, around 10-15 minutes, you should expect to spend $118.
West Jordan
Another costly city for living in Utah is West Jordan.
This lovely main area has plenty of parks, a fascinating public library, and many resources.
There are shopping malls, schools, and plenty of specialty meals.
But, the home prices are pretty high, and so do transportation costs and utility bills.
The regular price for a residence is like in Salt Lake City – roughly $335,000, and the average rent price per one month for a one-bedroom apartment is more than $1,200.
Provo
Provo is the fourth-largest city in Utah and the fourth most expensive city.
The usual living costs here are pretty expensive since there are no affordable housing, grocery, or utility costs.
The living cost index in Provo is around 95%, which means then Provo is 5% less expensive than the national average.
The most expensive things here are definitely groceries – 4% much expensive than the statewide.
All other things are pretty with the equal-cost as in previously mentioned cities.
Orem
Orem is definitely, on the top list of the five most expensive cities in Utah.
Almost all prices vital for the cost of living are the same as in the previously mentioned cities, but the positive thing about here is the healthcare expenses – 6% lower than the national standard.
Hence, a one doctor’s visit is much below $100, while a dentist appointment is $70.
Utah Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Utah Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
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