A good salary in Utah has risen as the state’s population and tech industry have boomed, particularly along the Wasatch Front (SLC to Provo corridor).
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Utah average | $55,000-$72,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Single in Salt Lake City | $58,000-$75,000 | $48,000-$58,000 |
| Single in Provo | $52,000-$68,000 | $42,000-$52,000 |
| Family of 4 | $90,000-$115,000 | $72,000-$90,000 |
Key trend: Utah has been one of the fastest-growing states, pushing housing costs up significantly.
Why Utah Has Become More Expensive
Utah’s rising costs stem from:
- Population boom (fastest growth in US for years)
- Tech industry growth (“Silicon Slopes”)
- Limited buildable land (mountains limit development)
- High desirability (outdoor recreation, family-friendly)
Good Salary by Utah City
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is Utah’s capital and largest metro with tech and healthcare.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$550,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,450/month
Provo-Orem
Provo area is home to BYU and many tech companies.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $65,000 |
| Comfortable | $50,000 | $82,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $68,000+ | $110,000+ |
Median home price: ~$480,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,300/month
St. George
St. George in southern Utah has become a popular retirement destination.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $40,000 | $68,000 |
| Comfortable | $52,000 | $85,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $70,000+ | $115,000+ |
Median home price: ~$500,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,350/month
Ogden
Ogden offers more affordable living north of Salt Lake.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $60,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $62,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$420,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,200/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Utah?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $55,000 | $200,000-$220,000 |
| $72,000 | $270,000-$300,000 |
| $90,000 | $340,000-$375,000 |
| $115,000 | $440,000-$480,000 |
Reality: Most homes in SLC/Provo require $100K+ income to afford comfortably.
Utah vs. Other States
| State | $70K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | $57,200 | 104 |
| Colorado | $57,000 | 108 |
| Nevada | $59,200 | 105 |
| Arizona | $57,500 | 103 |
Utah’s flat tax is competitive but housing costs have surged.
Utah State Income Tax
Utah has a flat income tax of 4.65% (recently reduced from 4.85%):
- Simple to calculate
- Applies to all income levels
- Lower than many western states
Top Industries in Utah
- Technology (“Silicon Slopes” — Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight) — Average salary $95,000+
- Healthcare (Intermountain, University of Utah) — Average salary $65,000+
- Financial Services — Average salary $70,000+
- Aerospace/Defense (Hill AFB) — Average salary $75,000+
- Tourism/Recreation — Average salary $45,000+
- Mining — Average salary $70,000+
Utah Lifestyle Considerations
Pros:
- World-class skiing and outdoor recreation
- Strong job market
- Family-friendly culture
- Beautiful scenery (5 national parks)
- Low crime rates
Cons:
- Housing has become expensive
- Air quality issues (winter inversions)
- Alcohol laws more restrictive
- Hot, dry summers
- Limited diversity
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Colorado?
- What is a good salary in Nevada?
- How much house on $70K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator