6 Best Affordable Places to Live in Utah

Over the past several years, more than 91,000 people have moved to Utah because of the state’s low-income tax, robust economic environment, and affordable cost of living. But for some people, moving is not so easy. Utah can be a costly place to live, with a typical home price of $522,754.  

Does that mean you shouldn’t relocate to the Beehive State? Definitely not! 

Trust me when I say that Utah really has something for everyone. The state is well-known for its outdoor recreation. From hiking in the red rocks of Southern Utah and snow skiing in Park City to ice fishing at one of the numerous lakes, it’s no surprise that Utah comes in as one of the best states for outdoor activities. 

People aren’t just moving to Utah because they enjoy playing outside. They are also coming here to cash in on the booming economy and growing job market. As one of the top three economies in the United States, Utah was one of the only states not drastically affected by the pandemic. 

While some people find a new job before moving, many don’t. The good news is that finding employment in Utah is relatively easy for those who take a chance after moving. With a low unemployment rate, Utah has the second-best job market in the U.S.

There’s more to the Beehive State than just beautiful things to see and fun things to do outdoors; it’s a place that truly cares about its residents. If you are thinking about living in Utah, finding the best and most affordable places to live will be an important step of the process.

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Cost-Conscious Living in Utah: A Guide to the State’s Cheapest Cities

Each city holds unique surprises and perks for residents looking to make a savvy, budget-conscious move. So, let’s dive into these budget-friendly gems and see why they’re considered the best-kept secrets of Utah!…

Living in Utah: Best Affordable Cities

1. Logan

If you are considering living in Utah, Logan is one of the best and most affordable places. Located near Utah’s northern border, Logan is home to Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, Logan Canyon, and the main campus of Utah State University. 

Its location in the mountains makes Logan an excellent place to live if you enjoy spending time outside and enjoying nature. New residents should plan for all four seasons, as Logan is known for warm, pleasant summers and cold, icy winters. 

This environment allows for a variety of recreational activities year-round, from hiking and bicycling in the summer to skiing, tubing, or snowboarding in the winter. The city of Logan is also big on culture. Inside the city limits are numerous restaurants, retail centers, museums, and art galleries. The best part is most of these are within walking distance of the university. 

Living in Logan is not like living anywhere else. It mixes small-town charm with the benefits of a larger urban area.  The community is known for welcoming newcomers, and once you move in, you will feel like one of the locals. 

People here take pride in their neighborhoods and homes. Yards are well-maintained throughout the city. There are also numerous events and festivals held throughout the year to commemorate local culture and history.

2. Vernal

With a population of 10,712, Vernal ranks number one on our list in terms of affordability. Vernal is a small, friendly town in northeastern Utah close to the border with Colorado. People love it for its beautiful nature and unique history, which goes back to when Native American groups like the Ute and Shoshone lived in the area.

Vernal seems to have it all, from beautiful scenery to a close-knit society. One thing you will quickly notice when living here is the strong sense of community. Neighbors frequently gather for celebrations and activities, including many local festivals.

The semi-arid environment means super hot summers and freezing cold winters. Living here, it’s not just the winter and summer temperatures you need to be prepared for, but also the seasons in between. In Vernal you will benefit from a slow-paced lifestyle and a helpful community.

One thing to bear in mind about living in Vernal is how remote it is. If you decide to live here, you won’t have access to the same things you do in a bigger city. An average home in Vernal costs about $260,000, and the median income for a household in Vernal is $68,712.

3. Cedar City

Located in the Red Hills Valley, the city is surrounded by the wide and colorful Great Basin region to the west and the peaks of the Wasatch Range to the east. Due to its strategic location, Cedar City enjoys year-round attractions that appeal to those who value the ever-changing cycles of the natural world. Winters are cold, and as such, you are regularly dealing with snow. Summers are typically hot with a lot of sun, but be prepared for the occasional thunderstorm.

A combination of small-town charm and easy access to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural settings is the best way to describe Cedar. Here you can enjoy activities all year, including hiking and mountain biking. There are many different cultural events throughout the year, the most well-known being the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Cedar City is a close-knit community that values relationships among neighbors. Everybody who lives in Cedar City does their part in keeping the place clean. People who live here just naturally respect nature. If you move here, you will join a society that encourages community involvement. 

As of 2024, Cedar City’s population is 41,432. With a population of 35,470 in 2020 and an annual growth rate of 3.73%, Cedar City has seen a population boom of 16.81% since the last census.

With an average home value of $403,000, this part of Utah’s southwestern region is still considered affordable by many looking to live in the state. This small city has a poverty rate of 17.68% and an average household income of $77,763.

4. Tremonton

Near the border between Utah and Idaho, Tremonton is one of the best and most affordable places to live in the state. Nestled in the middle of the Bear River Valley, it’s only a 20-minute drive from the Idaho state line. It’s also one of the last places to stop before heading into Idaho and other nearby sites, like the Golden Spike National Monument and the ATK Rocket Garden. 

The first thing you will notice about Tremonton is how rural it is. Looking around, you will see plenty of farms and open space. The next thing you will notice is how welcoming the residents are. You can’t drive down the street without somebody waving or nodding hello.

Living here, you will love the peaceful streets and small-town atmosphere. But what’s even better is that you will still have access to various conveniences that bigger cities provide.
Its schools provide excellent educational opportunities for kids and are rated above average.
The local culture is one of hard work and community involvement. The people here work to create a place where everyone helps to improve the community. Living in Tremonton is an enjoyable experience with several opportunities for recreation, friendship, and growth.

Situated in the county of Box Elder, Tremonton has a population of 13,225 as of 2024. The population has increased by 32.67% since the prior census, which recorded a population of 9,968 in 2020. The city is currently expanding at a rate of 6.56% annually.

The median income of a household in Tremonton is $88,194. A single-family home in Tremonton costs around $405,000. This might seem expensive, especially compared to some other places on this list, but it is the least expensive city in Northern Utah.

5. Tooele

When living in Utah, if you want to be close to the Salt Lake Valley but not within its immediate boundaries, head west to Tooele. Located south of the Great Salt Lake, this picturesque region is a haven for history lovers, as Tooele has a long and interesting past. To learn more about it, you can visit one of the historical sites or museums found around town.

Camping at Settlement Canyon, exploring Skyline Park, and playing golf at The Links at Overlake are just a few of the outdoor activities you can enjoy. Getting to Tooele might seem like a drive to the middle of nowhere, but the suburban feel of this quaint town is sought after by many families.

As the seat of Tooele County, Tooele had 40,337 residents in 2024. The city’s population has grown by 11.93% since the most recent census, which showed a population of 36,039 in 2020. The city is currently growing at a rate of 2.74% annually.

Tooele is the best affordable choice for people who want to be close to the big city without living in it. The average household income is $93,082, and the poverty rate is 4.21%. By the end of 2022, Tooele’s employment grew by 2.93%. This employment increase alone is enough to draw people in. You can see the growth as you drive through the central part of town, as new homes, businesses, and so much more are sprouting up just west of the Salt Lake Valley.

6. Sunset

The small town of Sunset is well-known for its friendly neighbors. The warm, welcoming locals and emphasis on community involvement make new residents feel right at home. It is a commuter’s dream location, as it’s just 30 minutes away from Salt Lake City’s central business district.

Local stores and restaurants add life to the area. Given its proximity to the Wasatch Mountains, there are so many things you can do outside, including hiking, bicycling, camping, fishing, and skiing. Plus, being so close to Salt Lake City, you can easily drive down and enjoy all that the big city has to offer. 

Newcomers will notice that the cost of living is very low compared to other sections of Utah, making it an enticing alternative for both families and individuals. Here, you can expect to find single-family home prices around $366k. The average yearly income for a family in Sunset is $74,923.

With a population of 5,320, this city is the perfect spot for those seeking a little-town vibe with all the conveniences of a larger metropolis. Many people enjoy how the town feels like the perfect mix of rural and suburban areas. The public schools here are considered to be above average.

Several points of interest are located within a relatively short drive from Sunset such as Pioneer Village, Antelope Island State Park, the Hill Aerospace Museum, and Lagoon Amusement Park.

Final Thoughts

Utahns rank their quality of life as one of the best in the United States. Nearly everyone who moves here or even visits feels welcome. Many consider Salt Lake City to be among the friendliest cities in the nation. Utahns are also known for being some of the most giving Americans, and neighbors commonly do what they can to help each other. Whether it’s setting up a meal train for someone after a recent surgery or mowing an elderly neighbor’s yard, people who live here genuinely enjoy helping others.

Though most of Utah does not have particularly high crime rates, the statewide average sometimes exceeds the national median. The reason for this is that Salt Lake City has the highest rates in the state, though this is common for a densely populated city. 

Because of the high elevations in some areas, the weather can be cooler than what some would prefer. However, one of the beautiful things about living in Utah is you experience all four seasons in a year. Whether it’s hot summers with sudden storms, crisp fall breezes, record-breaking snow, and spring rain showers, Utahns get to experience it all! Wacky weather aside, this state has much to offer in natural beauty and kindhearted people. So, don’t hesitate to find your place in the affordable cities of Utah.