Cost of Living in Grand County, Utah
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Grand County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Grand County ranks #1,755 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Grand County, Utah
Grand County rents strain household budgets
Grand County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% significantly exceeds the national average, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of income to housing than typical U.S. households. At $1,021 per month against a median income of $62,521, rental affordability is tighter than the nation as a whole.
Among Utah's priciest rental markets
Grand County ranks as one of Utah's less affordable counties for renters, with a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average of 16.6%. This small county pays closer to state median rent levels ($1,101) despite below-average household incomes.
Expensive gateway to the Colorado Plateau
Grand County's $1,021 rent mirrors the state average and exceeds neighboring Garfield ($781) and Millard ($897), reflecting its status as a tourism and recreation hub. Homebuyers face steeper challenges here, with a median home value of $480,900—the highest among this group of counties.
Nearly one-fifth of income goes to rent
Renters spend 19.6% of their $62,521 income on housing ($1,021/month), while homeowners dedicate 15.9% to mortgage costs ($830/month). Grand County presents an unusual affordability gap where renting strains budgets more than owning, likely reflecting seasonal and tourism-driven dynamics.
Grand County demands higher housing budgets
Relocating to Grand County requires careful financial planning—expect to allocate nearly a fifth of household income to rent alone. Compare housing costs here to more affordable neighbors like Garfield and Millard before committing to the Moab area.
Cost of Living Advisory: Grand County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Grand County is affordable. The median rent is $1,021/month against a median household income of $62,521, putting rent at 19.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,021/month rent versus $830/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $191/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,571/year. With a median household income of $62,521, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Grand County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Duchesne County where rent averages $934/month, Grand County is approximately 9% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Grand County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,459
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.9%
of gross income
The median home in Grand County may be a stretch
Median home value is $480,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,839 vs. your max of $1,459.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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