Best Affordable Places to Live in Utah in 2025

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    By Lauren Ward

    (Last Updated – 03/2025)

    The state of Utah is known for its beautiful landscapes and Mormon community, and it’s also become a tech hotbed in recent years. New startups and a thriving job market made it the fastest growing western state from 2023 to 2024. And while housing costs have jumped in response to this demand, there are still affordable homes to be found across the state for both buyers and renters.

    Discover the best places to live in Utah for families, young adults, and retirees.

    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 96% of the U.S. average. Utah’s cost of living is lower than that of neighboring Nevada and Arizona. Home prices in the state have started to rise after dropping in 2023, and at the start of 2025 almost a quarter of homes were selling above the asking price. If you want to make your move, these are some of the best affordable places to live in Utah.

    1. Kaysville

    Kaysville, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/raclro

    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: 32,941

    Median Household Income: $128,996

    Cost of Living: 92% of the U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,900

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.66

    2. Spanish Fork

    Spanish Fork, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/georgeclerk

    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: 45,557

    Median Household Income: $98,497

    Cost of Living: 86% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,816

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.1

    3. Orem

    Orem, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/Aaron Hawkins

    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. There are lots of new developments, however, helping to create a larger supply of homes for buyers.

    Population: 95,519

    Median Household Income: $81,292

    Cost of Living: N/A

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.0

    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

    Provo, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

    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. There are some costlier homes here as well as some good buys. Homes priced on the high end may require a jumbo loan mortgage.

    Population: 113,343

    Median Household Income: $62,800

    Cost of Living: 94% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,150

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.4

    2. South Jordan

    South Jordan, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/Erich Sacco

    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: 84,528

    Median Household Income: $126,400

    Cost of Living: 101% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $2,286

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.1

    3. Salt Lake City

    Salt Lake City, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

    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. Remember, if you buy a home now, and rates drop later, mortgage refinance is always an option.

    Population: 209,593

    Median Household Income: $74,925

    Cost of Living: 108% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,523

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.3

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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

    Salt Lake City, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

    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: 209,593

    Median Household Income: $74,925

    Cost of Living: 108% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,523

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 7.3


    2. Midvale

    Midvale, Utah

    Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/An Errant Knight , Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

    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 32. And there’s plenty of entertainment for young adults, including Top Golf and live music. If you have your heart set on buying, these tips to qualify for a mortgage could come in handy.

    Population: 35,561

    Median Household Income: $73,058

    Cost of Living: 99% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,800

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.5

    3. Lehi

    Lehi, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/Renphoto

    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. Lehi is one of the U.S. cities with the largest population growth in recent years. This may create a more competitive real estate market for first-time homebuyers.

    Population: 90,227

    Median Household Income: $125,860

    Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. living

    Average Rent Price: $2,200

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.4

    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. St. George

    St. George, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

    Over 20% 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 has been one of the fastest growing cities in the state.

    Population: 104,578

    Median Household Income: $72,870

    Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,866

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.9

    2. Nephi

    Nephi, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/MicheleVacchiano

    Nephi has a smaller senior population than St. George — in fact, it accounts for just 8% of the residents. 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: 7,122

    Median Household Income: $97,348

    Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,500

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.4

    3. Bountiful

    Bountiful, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/dallasgolden

    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: 44,144

    Median Household Income: $103,723

    Cost of Living: 97% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,550

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.3

    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. Ogden

    Ogden, Utah

    Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

    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. It can be helpful to explore different types of mortgage loans to find the best financing before you purchase.

    Population: 87,267

    Median Household Income: $70,053

    Cost of Living: 91% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,295

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.5

    2. Mount Pleasant

    Mount Pleasant, Utah

    Photo credit: Flickr/arbyreed , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

    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: 3,737

    Median Household Income: $67,459

    Cost of Living: 88% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,400

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.2

    3. Moab

    Moab, Utah

    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. While median values are above the national average, there are first-time homebuyer programs in Utah that could help.

    Population: 5,221

    Median Household Income: $55,333

    Cost of Living: 101% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $2,200

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 9.9


    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, there are still places where the price-to-value ratio makes a relatively affordable home purchase possible.

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    FAQ

    Where is the most affordable place to live in Utah?

    There are many affordable places to live throughout Utah. Orem or Ogden would be a good bet if you are looking for a larger city. If you don’t need to be near a major city, Nephi is a small town with 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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