Best Affordable Places to Live in Utah in 2024

Best Places to Live in Utah

When looking at the cost of living by state, Utah is filled with desirable places to live with reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking for a city or town with an active nightlife, or searching for a place in the country, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best places in Utah to live.

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Best Affordable Places to Live in Utah

The cost of living in Utah is 101.2, which is just slightly higher than the national average. Utah’s cost of living is lower than that of most of its neighboring states, including Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona. And the good news is, housing prices are starting to come down in Utah.

These are some of the best affordable places to live in Utah.

1. Kaysville

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A suburb of Salt Lake city, Kaysville is known as a welcoming place with lots of parks and open spaces. Residents of the area appreciate its excellent school system. The town’s household income is high and unemployment is low, which gives residents more purchasing power for their homes.

Population: 32,761

Median Household Income: $110,700

Median Rent Price: $1,145

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.66

Average Property Tax: $2,308

Housing Affordability: Home prices in Kaysville are well above the national average. However, the median income in the area is also high, making the home price-to-income ratio low. On top of that, housing prices have dropped since last year.

2. Spanish Fork

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Located just outside of Provo between the Wasatch Mountains and Utah Lake, Spanish Fork is a suburban community with plenty of activities and interesting attractions. For instance, Spanish Fork is home to the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, a striking Hindu temple that hosts an annual Holi Festival and other community events.

Population: 44,102

Median Household Income: $84,903

Median Rent Price: $1,184

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.89

Average Property Tax: $1,991

Housing Affordability: Like Kaysville, Spanish Fork is a popular area for buyers and renters. The median home price is down since the previous year. For those looking to rent, rentals are affordable.

3. South Ogden

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If you want to experience all four seasons, South Ogden, near Salt Lake City, could be just the thing. The summers here are hot, and the winters are snowy and good for skiing. There are lots of local attractions, including the popular Beus Pond Park, with walking trails and a duck pond, and Rohmer Park, which has a playground and trails. The cost of living is on par with the national average.

Population: 17,716

Median Household Income: $74,724

Cost of Living: 100.4% of U.S. average

Median Rent Price: $1,145

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.42

Average Property Tax: $2,173

Housing Affordability: South Ogden has a low home price-to-income ratio, making it attractive to buyers. And the town’s median home value is down year-over-year.

4. Orem

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Orem draws families and young adults alike. The town is just minutes away from Provo, so it’s convenient for those who study or work at Brigham Young University. It’s also close to Utah Lake for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking.

Population: 95,910

Median Household Income: $70,412

Median Rent Price: $1,144

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.77

Average Property Tax: $1,991

Housing Affordability: Housing is slightly more expensive in Orem compared to the median income, and home prices are dropping at a slower rate than in some other areas. There are lots of new developments, however, helping to create a larger supply of homes for buyers.

5. Nibley

Housing Affordability: Housing prices in Nibley are affordable compared to the town’s annual median income. Plus, housing prices are trending downwards.

Recommended: Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval

Best Places to Live in Utah for Families

This family-oriented state has plenty to offer, including museums, natural attractions, and outdoor activities. These are some of the best places to live in Utah for families.

1. Provo

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Provo is a hot spot for family-friendly things to do, from the Museum of Natural Curiosities, to the indoor aquatic center at the Provo Rec Center. And residents appreciate the area’s good school system.

Population: 113,523

Median Household Income: $53,572

Median Rent Price: $973

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.93

Average Property Tax: $1,991

Housing Affordability: Provo is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. While that means there’s plenty to do for families, it may also create a more competitive real estate market for first-time homebuyers. The median home price is down from the previous year.

2. South Jordan

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Located near Salt Lake City, South Jordan is a growing suburban community with lots of young families. It’s an easy commute to the city, thanks to the public transportation system. In the evenings and on weekends, families can spend time together exploring the area’s parks, trails, and museums.

Population: 83,513

Median Household Income: $111,744

Median Rent Price: $1,533

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.62

Average Property Tax: $2,515

Housing Affordability: Median home values are fairly high in South Jordan. But compared to the area’s average income, the home price-to-income ratio is fairly low. Property taxes are high, however. For those looking to rent, rental prices are competitive at $1,500 a month.

3. Salt Lake City

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This large city is filled with fun activities and attractions for families with kids. There’s a zoo, an aquarium, and a natural history museum, just to name a few. You can catch scenic views of the city by hiking the Living Room Trail at Red Butte Ridge. There, the kids can climb the “sandstone furniture” at the peak.

Population: 204,657

Median Household Income: 65,880

Median Rent Price: $1,141

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.19

Average Property Tax: $2,515

Housing Affordability: Homes are less expensive in Salt Lake City compared to other areas. However, the median home value of more than $500,00 is high compared to the median income, resulting in a high home price-to-income ratio. Rental prices are competitive at just $1,141 per month.

4. Highland

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For a rural feel, families can do some home shopping in Highland. Located in a valley, Highland is known for its beautiful surroundings. Residents appreciate the area’s good public schools, plus, the city is conveniently located between Salt Lake City and Provo, making it easy to get to either place.

Population: 19,902

Median Household Income: $156,136

Median Rent Price: $2,104

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.93

Average Property Tax: $1,991

Housing Affordability: Home prices are high in Highland, but they’re on a downward trend. The city also has a high household income, which is what makes the home-to-price income ratio fairly reasonable.

5. Hyrum

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Nestled in a valley and surrounded by farms and countryside, Hyrum offers plenty of outdoor recreation for families who like to spend time in nature. Hyrum State Park has a beautiful lake to explore, and Blacksmith Fork River Trail provides flat trails with opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Population: 10,594

Median Household Income: $73,971

Median Rent Price: $832

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.61

Average Property Tax: $1,722

Housing Affordability: Settling down in Hyrum comes with a fairly affordable price tag compared to other areas of Utah. The median home value is down from last year. And if you’re interested in renting, you’ll find low prices.

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Best Places to Live in Utah for Young Adults

Utah has job opportunities for young adults, as well as endless chances to live an active lifestyle. And there are both cities and suburbs to choose from.

1. Salt Lake City

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With a strong job market and a bustling urban center, Salt Lake City is a great place for young adults. Sports fans can check out the NBA’s Utah Jazz or take in a women’s or men’s professional soccer match. There are lots of parks to explore, plus an active nightlife scene for socializing.

Population: 204,657

Median Household Income: $65,880

Median Rent Price: $1,141

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.19

Average Property Tax: $2,515

Housing Affordability: With a fairly high median home value, housing can be expensive for those who earn the median income in Salt Lake City. But if you rent, there are some good options at an affordable price.

2. Park City

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For high earning young adults, Park City offers homes in a very scenic community just east of Salt Lake City. The area has a charming small town feel with plenty of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.

Population: 8,374

Median Household Income: $121,701

Median Rent Price: $1,661

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 211.9

Average Property Tax: $2,696

Housing Affordability: Park City has some expensive homes that may require a jumbo loan mortgage. However, there are efforts to make housing more affordable here, and prices have dropped since last year.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

3. Midvale

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Just 15 minutes south of Salt Lake City, Midvale is an affordable community with an easy commute to Salt Lake. The town has lots of other young people; the median age is 30. And there’s plenty of entertainment for young adults, including Top Golf and live music.

Population: 35,637

Median Household Income: $65,897

Median Rent Price: $1,246

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.06

Average Property Tax: $2,515

Housing Affordability: There’s been a slight decline in home prices in Midvale. Buying is a little high for the median income here, but rent prices can be more manageable at $1,246 per month. However, if you have your heart set on buying, these tips to qualify for a mortgage could come in handy.

4. Snyderville

Housing Affordability: Unlike most other cities in Utah, the median home value in Snyderville is up from the previous year. Incomes are also high here, giving residents a little more purchasing power. It can be helpful to explore different types of mortgage loans to find the best financing before you purchase in Snyderville, or anyplace else, for that matter.

5. Lehi

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This bustling town has lots of good restaurants and breweries to enjoy. Many tech companies have launched in the area, making it a great place to live without a long commute. Plus, many other young adults live in the area, so you’ll be able to meet plenty of your peers.

Population: 84,373

Median Household Income: $108,669

Median Rent Price: $1,562

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.18

Average Property Tax: $1,991

Housing Affordability: Lehi has a low home price-to-income ratio, meaning the median home value is low compared to the median household income. Housing prices are on a downward trend, experiencing a significant drop from last year.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Best Places to Live in Utah for Retirees

Although Utah is not the cheapest place to retire, it has a lot to offer, including stunning scenery, a relaxed lifestyle, and charming small towns.

Here are some of the best places to live in Utah for retirees.

1. Price

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For retirees ready to get away from city life and settle into an affordable community, Price may be right. It’s surrounded by natural history resources, plus Carbon County, where Price is located, has an extensive network of senior centers and organized activities.

Population: 8,262

Median Household Income: $45,429

Median Rent Price: $781

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.18

Average Property Tax: $1,046

Housing Affordability: Home values are low in Price, which makes it affordable. However, the secret may be out because the market is warmer than it was last year. If you’re competing against other buyers, going through the mortgage preapproval process could help make your offer more competitive. Rents are low in Price, too.

2. St. George

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Over 22% of St. George’s population is 65 years or older, and it’s no surprise why so many retirees have chosen to settle here. It’s stunning! The city is surrounded by incredible red sandstone cliffs and the weather is mild. No wonder St. George is one of the fastest growing cities in the state.

Population: 102,519

Median Household Income: $63,604

Median Rent Price: $1,157

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.03

Average Property Tax: $1,878

Housing Affordability: St. George’s growing population has increased the housing values, but those values have dropped from the previous year. Rent is stable at just over $1,157 per month.

3. Nephi

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Nephi has a smaller senior population than St. George — in fact, it accounts for just 10.9% of the population. But this charming small town, located about 40 minutes south of Provo, has much to offer. There’s plenty to do, including golfing, fishing, and hiking (or driving) through the scenic canyons. There are rental bargains to be had, too.

Population: 6,840

Median Household Income: $74,113

Median Rent Price: $871

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.28

Average Property Tax: $1,334

Housing Affordability: Nephi housing values are down slightly from the prior year. The home price-to-income ratio is high, however, which could make buying a stretch. Renting could be an option for retirees who want low-maintenance living without a big financial commitment.

4. Providence

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With a senior population of nearly 15%, Providence is full of small town charm for retirees, including restaurants and shops and plenty of year-round attractions. And it’s located near the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, where you can watch five weeks of live productions each summer.

Population: 8,995

Median Household Income: $89,167

Median Rent Price: $1,168

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.56

Average Property Tax: $1,722

Housing Affordability: The median home value in Providence is down from last year. Rental prices are just under $1,200 per month, and there are also several senior living communities throughout Cache County, where Providence is located.

5. Bountiful

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For seniors who don’t mind winter snow, Bountiful, which is a suburb of Salt Lake City, boasts a charming historic district and lots of parks. It has a senior population of just under 15%. Its proximity to the city means you can enjoy everything Salt Lake has to offer whenever you like.

Population: 44,481

Median Household Income: $89,365

Median Rent Price: $1,221

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.04

Average Property Tax: $2,308

Housing Affordability: House values in Bountiful experienced a slight drop from last year, so the market may not be as competitive here as it once was. And if you buy a home now, and rates drop later, mortgage refinance is always an option.

Best Places to Live in Utah Near the Mountains

Utah has incredible mountain ranges with glorious natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to live near the mountains.

1. Garden City

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Known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, Garden City is an ideal spot to settle down if you love both the mountains and the water. It’s home to Bear Lake State Park, which has a unique turquoise color thanks to mineral deposits.

Population: 636

Median Household Income: $30,375

Median Rent Price: $1,995

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 19.79

Average Property Tax: $836

Housing Affordability: Garden City is a small town in a popular recreational area, which can drive up home values. The area’s household income is low, which makes the home price-to-income ratio high.

2. Moab

Photo credit: iStock/Anne Lindgren

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Moab with its striking red rock canyons and arches and two national parks. The town itself has a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants, plus a museum that has collections of dinosaur bones and other artifacts.

Population: 5,312

Median Household Income: $42,083

Median Rent Price: $870

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 13.15

Average Property Tax: $1,465

Housing Affordability: Moab is a popular destination for travelers, which may be what’s making the housing market hot. However, Moab’s median rent is low at just $870 per month, so renting could be an option.

3. Mount Pleasant

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Located an hour south of Provo, the small town of Mount Pleasant is surrounded by mountains and canyons. Hikers will enjoy it here.There are lots of hiking trails at several nearby national parks, including Manti-La Sal National Forest and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Population: 3,920

Median Household Income: $59,776

Median Rent Price: $1,130

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.93

Average Property Tax: $1,250

Housing Affordability: Rental prices are higher in Mount Pleasant than in some other cities near the mountains. But the home-to-price ratio is low, making it reasonable for those who are ready to buy.

4. Ogden

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Whether you love to hike, rock climb, or mountain bike, Ogden has what you’re looking for. Plus, the town has a lovely historic district for dining and shopping. As you walk through town, the mountains make a beautiful backdrop.

Population: 86,825

Median Household Income: $58,284

Median Rent Price: $930

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.22

Average Property Tax: $2,173

Housing Affordability: Ogden is pretty affordable.The median home value in the city has dropped since last year. This could be a good time to look for a home, or to consider renting for about $930 per month, on average.

5. Provo

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Home to Brigham Young University, Provo is nestled against Y Mountain, which has one of the most popular hiking trails in Utah Valley. There are also many parks to enjoy within the city itself. And because it’s a college town, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.

Population: 113,523

Median Household Income: $53,572

Median Rent Price: $973

Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.93

Average Property Tax: $1,991

Housing Affordability: Rental prices are under $1,000 a month in Provo, but you may need to compete for apartments with college students. Purchasing a house may be doable, though. While median values are above the national average, there are first-time homebuyer programs in Utah that could help.

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The Takeaway

No matter your age or stage of life, Utah offers a vibrant mix of cities and towns to choose from. You can enjoy both cultural and natural attractions, with striking vistas and majestic mountains as a backdrop. And although Utah is going through a growth spurt as more people move to the state, housing prices are starting to come down, making it more affordable for buyers.

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FAQ

Where is the most affordable place to live in Utah?

There are many affordable places to live throughout Utah. Provo is one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, but housing prices are still lower than many other areas of Utah. If you don’t need to be near a major city, Price is a small town southeast of Provo that has an affordable housing market.

Is Utah an affordable place to live?

Home prices and population growth have been on the rise throughout Utah. But the job market is also strong, with many areas boasting median household incomes significantly above the national average. That makes any jumps in the housing market more affordable for many individuals and families.

What part of Utah is best to live in?

There are many desirable areas of Utah to live in. For instance, Salt Lake City and Provo are two of the largest cities and they’re less than an hour apart. Lehi is also a good place to live for tech workers. It’s nicknamed “Silicon Slopes” for its booming startup culture.

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