By Melody Moser
What does it really cost to live in Utah right now? Whether you're relocating, downsizing, or just curious, we’re breaking down everyday prices — from housing and groceries to ski passes and sushi. Some of these might surprise you.
🏡 Housing
Right now, the cost of housing in Salt Lake City is one of the biggest factors in your monthly budget.
Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment Average $1,924
Median home price $519,000
These numbers will vary by neighborhood, of course — but this gives you a solid baseline if you’re planning a move or comparing areas.
💡 Utilities
If you're moving to Utah, here’s what you can expect for monthly utility costs on an average 3-bedroom home:
💡 Electricity
Average Monthly Cost: $84.87
Details: Utah boasts the lowest average electricity rates in the U.S., benefiting from access to cheaper and renewable energy sources.
🔥 Natural Gas
Average Monthly Cost: $41.33
Details: Utah also has the lowest average natural gas bills in the nation, attributed to milder weather and efficient energy use.
🚿 Water
Average Monthly Cost: $39.16
Details: Water bills in Utah are among the lowest in the U.S.
🗑️ Trash & Sewer
Average Monthly Cost: $65
Details: This includes both trash collection and sewer services.
🌐 Internet
Average Monthly Cost: $77
Details: This is the national average; actual costs may vary based on provider and plan.
Utah is known for having relatively affordable utilities — but keep in mind costs can spike in the winter with heating, and in the summer with A/C.
💸 Taxes in Utah
Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.65% — so whether you earn $40K or $400K, the rate stays the same.
Sales tax depends on where you shop:
State base rate: 4.85%
With local add-ons: Total sales tax in most Utah cities ranges from 6.1% to 8.35%
Property taxes are relatively low compared to other states:
On average, Utah homeowners pay around 0.58% of their home’s value each year — that’s about $4,160 annually on a $717,000 home
Primary residences get a 45% exemption on property value, which helps reduce your bill
There’s also no estate tax or inheritance tax in Utah — good news for long-term planning.
🚗 Transportation
Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just getting to the slopes — here’s what transportation typically costs in Utah:
Midgrade Gas is $3.49 per gallon
🔧 Tire Balancing
Average Cost: Between $112 and $132 for tire rotation and balancing combined. Promotions: Check out our local favorite Larry H Miller Used Car Service Center in Sandy,
🚘 Car Insurance (Monthly Average)
Utah State Average:
Minimum Coverage: Approximately $68 per month.
Full Coverage: Approximately $178 per month.
Salt Lake City Average:
Full Coverage: Approximately $208 per month, slightly higher than the state average.
🚆 Public Transit Pass (UTA FrontRunner/TRAX)
Standard Adult Monthly Pass: $85 – Valid for unlimited travel on local buses, UVX, S-Line, and TRAX.
Premium Monthly Pass: $170 – Includes all services such as FrontRunner, Express Bus, Ski Bus, TRAX, and S-Line.
Hive Pass: $42 – Available to Salt Lake City residents, offering unlimited access to all UTA services, including FrontRunner and TRAX. SLC.gov
🚖 Typical Uber Fare from South Jordan to Salt Lake City International Airport
Average Fare: Approximately $40 for a one-way trip from South Jordan to Salt Lake City International Airport.
Travel Time: Around 24 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Distance: Approximately 20 miles.
Note: Fares can vary based on factors such as time of day, demand, and traffic.
Utah’s public transit is reliable in the metro areas, and parking is usually easier (and cheaper) than in other major cities.
⚕️ Healthcare
Healthcare in Utah is generally affordable compared to national averages — but costs can still add up. Here’s what you can expect to pay in Salt Lake City:
• Optometrist visit: $100–$150 without insurance
• Doctor visit: $130–$180 without insurance (primary care)
• Dentist visit: $110–$180 for routine cleaning & exam
• Ibuprofen (standard bottle): $11.79–$12.29 ✅
• Prescription drug (average): $12–$55 with insurance (generic); $150+ without insurance for brand-name meds
These prices reflect out-of-pocket costs without insurance. If you’re relocating, it’s a good idea to compare local providers and see what’s in-network with your plan.
🛒 Groceries
Food prices in Utah have been on the rise, like everywhere else — but here’s a sample of what you might spend on a typical grocery run in Salt Lake City:
Steak: $13.99 – $34.99 / lb
Ground Beef: $5.99 / lb
Hamburger Patties: $1.25 - $2.49 each
Sausage: $2.49 / lb and $3.99 each
Chicken Breast: $2.49 - 4.99 / lb
Canned Tuna: $1.00 - $1.99
Whole Milk: $2.99 / gal
Fresh Orange Juice: $2.99
Eggs: $4.19 / doz
Cheese $7.99 / 32oz and $9.99 5lbs
Margarine: $1.99
Butter 2/$7
Parmesan Cheese: $3.39 - $5.99
Potatoes: $2.49 - $4.79 5lbs
Bananas: .59 / lb
Lettuce: $1.29 - $2.29 head
Peaches: $ None in stock
Bread: $[ ]
Corn Flakes: $6.99
Lucky Charms: $3.99
Coffee: $13.49 /lb
Sugar: $3.49 10lbs
Flour: $2.69 5/lbs
Avocado Oil: $15.49
Vegetable Oil: $3.99
Cooking Spray: $4.99
Frozen Meal: $2.99 - $17.99
Frozen Sweet Peas: $2.99 - $5.49
Frozen Corn: $2.99
Facial Tissues: $2.19
Toilet Paper: $11.99 - $31.99
Detergent: $19.99 - $24.99
Laundry Softener $12.79
Toothpaste: $3.99
Shampoo: $1.99 - $10.49
Potato Chips: $4.99 - 5.99
Soft Drink: $5.99 12/pk
Beer: $16.99 - 21.99
Whether you shop at Smith’s, Harmons, or Costco — food budgeting is a major part of monthly expenses for singles, couples, and families alike.
🍽️ Dining Out
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or planning date night, here’s what dining out typically looks like in Salt Lake City:
Specialty Coffee from a local café Starbucks: $5.36
Fast casual lunch for two with tip at Oak Woodfire Kitchen: $52.44
Mid-range dinner for two at Taqueria 27 with tip $86.93
Upscale restaurant (multi-course or downtown dining) for two at Veneto’s: $242.55
Utah has a growing foodie scene, especially in areas like Sugar House and downtown Salt Lake — so there’s no shortage of options at every price point.
🎉 Entertainment
From snow days to movie nights, here’s what entertainment typically costs in Utah:
🎬 Entertainment & Fitness
Movie Ticket (Evening Show): $12.00–$15.00 at Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres
Standard evening ticket prices vary by location and format (e.g., IMAX, luxury seating).Monthly Gym Membership: Starting at $9.99/month at EōS Fitness (Salt Lake City – S 700 E/500 S)
Basic membership includes access to gym equipment; additional amenities may cost more.Yoga or Pilates Drop-In Class: $15–$25 at Salt Lake Power Yoga
Standard drop-in rates are $25, but select classes are offered at a community rate of $15.
❄️ Outdoor Activities
Ski Resort Day Pass:
Brighton Resort: $49 for the Meltdown Lift Ticket (10am–3pm)
Spring season pricing; includes select lifts and freestyle terrain.Snowbird: $165 for an adult full-day ticket during spring season
Prices vary based on age and season; spring rates are lower than peak winter rates.Golf Round at a Public Course:
Mountain Dell Golf Course: $46 for 18 holes
Rates for public players; senior and junior discounts available.State Park Entry (Per Vehicle): $15 at Antelope Island State Park
Entrance fee per vehicle up to 8 people; senior discount available. OnTheSnow+2Brighton Resort+2OnTheSnow+2
Utah is packed with year-round recreation — whether you're hitting the slopes, hiking a canyon, or just catching a matinee.
🧒 Kids & Family
Raising a family in Utah comes with plenty of options — and a wide range of costs depending on your needs and lifestyle:
Childcare or Preschool (Full-Time): Approximately $2,438 per month, based on an average hourly rate of $18.75.
Private School Tuition (Annual): Ranges from $10,426 to $25,500, depending on the institution and grade level.
After-School Programs: Costs vary:
$14 to $285 per session, depending on income and program specifics.
$325 per month at non-Title I schools.
Summer Camps: Weekly rates range from $160 to $395, depending on the camp and duration.
Utah is known for being family-friendly, with lots of free community events, parks, and kid-focused programs throughout the year.
🐶 Pets
If you’ve got furry friends in the family, here’s what you can expect to budget for pet care in Utah:
· Vet Check-Up (Annual or Routine Visit): $51.98–$71.95
Standard office visit fees at local clinics like Midvalley Animal Clinic and Banfield Pet Hospital.
· Grooming (Basic or Full Service): $22–$90
Prices vary based on pet size and services at venues such as Petco and Brickyard Kennel.
· Pet License (Salt Lake County): $25–$50 per year
Annual fees: $25 for sterilized pets, $50 for unsterilized pets.
· Pet Food (Monthly Average): $20–$60
Monthly costs depend on pet size and food quality.
· Emergency Care or Specialty Visit: $96–$236+
Emergency exam fees at facilities like MedVet Salt Lake City.
Utah is a very pet-friendly place — you’ll find plenty of off-leash parks, walking trails, and even dog-friendly patios throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
💼 Lifestyle & Services
Here’s a mix of everyday costs for errands, grooming, and other essentials:
💇 Hair & Beauty
Haircut:
Beauty Salon Services:
Full Balayage: $150+ at Mid City Salon
Shampoo, Blowdry, Style: $40 (short hair) to $60 (long hair) at Mid City Salon
🧺 Dry Cleaning
Dry Cleaning Services:
Dress Shirt: $11.35 at Red Hanger Cleaners
Pants: $11.35 at Red Hanger Cleaners
Dress: $19.00 at Red Hanger Cleaners
🧘 Fitness & Wellness
Yoga Class:
Drop-In Rate: $25 at Salt Lake Power Yoga
Monthly Unlimited: $150 at Salt Lake Power Yoga
🍕 Food & Dining
Pizza or Takeout Meal:
Large Specialty Pizza: Approximately $20–$25 at The Pie Pizzeria
Takeout Meal: Around $15–$20 per person at various local eateries
🛠️ Home Services
Washer Repair:
Average Cost: $265, ranging from $120 to $415, depending on the issue and service provider
👔 Clothing
Men's Dress Shirt:
Jeans or Slacks:
Price Range: $20 at Old Navy to $190 and the Buckle
🍺 Beverages
Draft Beer:
Price Range: $3.00–$8.00, depending on the establishment and beer selection
Glass of Wine:
Price Range: $6.00–$12.00 at local wine bars such as BTG Wine Bar
We’ve helped over 1,400 families make their move in, out, and around Utah — whether you're headed to St. George, South Jordan, or Smithfield, we’ve got you covered.
