Utah's cost of living index is 106 — 6.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
106
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+6.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$74,197
Utah median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$69,997
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 106 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +6.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $74,197 | Utah median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $69,997 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 3,271,616 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 106, Utah is 6% above the national average. Higher costs in Utah mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $74,197 in Utah provides the equivalent purchasing power of $69,997 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Utah's median home price of $510,000 is significantly above the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (4.65% top rate in Utah), sales tax (4.85% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.58%).
