Cost of Living in Provo, UT

Cost of Living in Provo, UT: A Detailed Overview

Home to approximately 115,162 residents, Provo, UT has established itself as a moderately sized city within the West Coast. The community's overall cost of living index registers at 100.5 — a figure that marks it as a city with costs that closely mirror the national average. Because the national baseline sits at 100, every point of difference translates directly into percentage-point savings or premiums on everyday expenses. Residents of Provo therefore pay roughly 0.5 percent more than the average American for housing, groceries, healthcare, and other essentials. Household incomes in the area reach a median of $53,568 annually, which is $21,012 lower than the nationwide median of $74,580. The financial landscape demands disciplined budgeting, especially for households whose earnings sit near or below the local median.

Housing Costs in Provo

For renters, Provo's housing market centers on a median monthly rent of $1,300, which lands $72 below the national median of $1,372. One-bedroom apartments typically run $1,100 per month, while two-bedroom units average $1,450. Rents sit modestly below national norms — not a dramatic discount, but enough to make a noticeable difference on a monthly budget. Shelter costs account for roughly 33 percent of the average household's total spending, confirming housing's role as the dominant budget line item. The rent-to-income ratio in Provo stands at 29.1 percent — comfortably within the 30 percent ceiling that financial advisors recommend, leaving meaningful room for other financial priorities.

Monthly Expenses and Budget Breakdown

Breaking down the monthly budget in Provo reveals where money actually goes. Groceries claim $355 per month for a typical household — a figure that undercuts the national average and contributes to the area's overall value proposition. Utilities, including electricity, gas, water, and internet service, total approximately $130. Transportation expenses — gas, car insurance, maintenance, and any public transit — average $105 monthly. Healthcare, encompassing premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs, comes to $435 per month, which is near or below the national average of $450, a favorable data point for cost-conscious households. Entertainment and dining account for $135, and families with children should budget $1,000 for daycare or after-school programs. All told, the estimated monthly total is $3,920 versus the national benchmark of $4,357. The dominant categories are housing at $1,300 and childcare at $1,000.

How Provo Compares to the National Average

For anyone weighing a move to Provo, the cost of living index of 100.5 is the critical data point. It means total monthly expenses of approximately $3,920, while the national equivalent is about $4,357. Those savings of roughly $437 per month — about $5,244 annually — represent real money that can be redirected toward financial goals. While the savings are moderate rather than dramatic, they still improve the household balance sheet in a measurable way.

Provo for Different Lifestyles

Young professionals and singles: Provo's one-bedroom apartments rent for $1,100 per month, while entertainment and social spending average $135. With housing below the national one-bedroom median of $1,190, young earners can allocate more toward student-loan payoff, retirement contributions, or building an emergency fund.

Families: Childcare in Provo runs $1,000 per month, which is below the national average — a meaningful savings for families juggling work and parenting. On the local median income of $53,568, families retain enough after housing to fund education savings, extracurriculars, and a healthy emergency reserve.

Is Provo, UT Right for You?

Ready to evaluate Provo for your next move? Start with the numbers: a cost of living index of 100.5, median rent of $1,300, a median home price of $420,000, and monthly expenses totaling roughly $3,920. Next, run those figures through our comparison calculator alongside your current city or any other candidate. Then zero in on the categories that matter most to your household — childcare for growing families, entertainment for social life, transportation for commuters — and compare those line items directly. Finally, visit in person to confirm that the data matches the lived experience. Numbers lay the groundwork, but the strongest decisions layer in firsthand observation and honest self-assessment.