Cost of Living in Summit County, Utah
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Summit County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Summit County ranks #1,338 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Summit County, Utah
Summit's high earners handle premium costs
Summit County's median household income of $137,058 is 83% higher than the national average, allowing residents to absorb its steep housing costs. At a rent-to-income ratio of 17.2%, renters spend more of their income on housing than the national norm, but exceptional earnings provide substantial cushion.
Utah's priciest market, highest earners
Summit County has Utah's highest median home value at $1,000,400 and among the state's highest rents at $1,969 monthly. Though its rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% exceeds Utah's 16.6% average, the county's extraordinary median income of $137,058 makes these premium costs manageable for most residents.
Park City premium towers over region
Summit County's $1,969 monthly rent and $2,074 owner costs far exceed all neighboring Utah counties—Salt Lake's $1,493 rent and Tooele's $1,568 owner costs pale by comparison. The county's median home value of $1,000,400 reflects its exclusive mountain resort positioning and skier-friendly proximity.
Premium housing for premium incomes
Renters spend $1,969 monthly while homeowners average $2,074, consuming 17.2% to 18.1% of a median $137,058 household income. Despite these steep absolute costs, the typical Summit family dedicates roughly $23,600 to $30,200 annually to housing—a manageable share for high earners.
Summit: luxury living comes at a cost
Summit County suits affluent relocators drawn to world-class skiing, outdoor recreation, and mountain lifestyle—but only if your income justifies the premium. The county's $1,000,400 median home value and $1,969 rents demand six-figure household income to maintain comfortable financial footing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Summit County
Affordability Verdict
Summit County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,969/month — about 17.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,969/month rent versus $2,074/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $105/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $78,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $88,886/year. With a median household income of $137,058, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Summit County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Summit County sits 3% more expensive than Wasatch County ($1,905/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Summit County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,198
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Summit County may be a stretch
Median home value is $1,000,400. Estimated monthly cost: $7,987 vs. your max of $3,198.
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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