Cost of Living in Utah County, Utah
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Utah County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Utah County ranks #1,645 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Utah County, Utah
Utah County rents eat 17.9% of income
Utah County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% sits just above the national sweet spot, where housing experts recommend spending no more than 30% of income on rent. With a median household income of $96,877—well above the national median of $74,755—residents here earn considerably more than average Americans, making housing slightly more affordable despite higher rents.
Among Utah's most affordable counties
Utah County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as one of the state's most affordable places, sitting above Utah's 16.6% state average by just 1.3 percentage points. At $1,441 per month, rents run $340 higher than the state median, but the county's strong median income of $96,877 absorbs that cost more comfortably than most neighboring counties.
More affordable than mountain neighbors
Utah County renters pay $1,441 monthly—substantially less than Wasatch County's $1,905 but more than Wayne County's $1,018. When adjusted for income, Utah County's 17.9% ratio outperforms Washington County (23.0%) and Wasatch County (19.9%), making it a relative bargain in the central Utah region.
Income stretches across housing costs
A typical Utah County household earning $96,877 annually pays $1,441 in rent or $1,720 for owner costs, leaving substantial income for other expenses. The county's healthy income-to-housing ratio means a renter devotes just 17.9% of earnings to rent, while homeowners spend 21.3% on monthly ownership costs.
Consider Utah County's balanced market
If you're relocating from a high-cost metro and earn above $90,000, Utah County offers the rarest combination in the state: strong incomes, reasonable rents, and a below-average rent burden. Compare this county's 17.9% ratio to Wasatch County's 19.9% or Washington County's 23.0% to see where your salary stretches furthest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Utah County
Affordability Verdict
Utah County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,441/month representing approximately 17.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Utah County pay $1,441/month on average, compared to $1,720/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $57,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $73,714/year. With a median household income of $96,877, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Utah County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Utah County sits 3% less expensive than Morgan County ($1,493/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Utah County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,260
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.3%
of gross income
The median home in Utah County may be a stretch
Median home value is $489,200. Estimated monthly cost: $3,905 vs. your max of $2,260.
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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