Direct Answer
Provo, UT has a CostOfCity index of 106, which is 6% above the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,193/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,881/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Provo: The Full Picture
What does it cost to live in Provo, UT? The honest answer depends on your lifestyle, but the data gives clear guideposts. With a gateway economy where proximity to national parks and ski resorts creates seasonal employment surges and a median household income of $47K, this western city offers a specific economic profile. We cover 62 cost categories, each calibrated for Provo's local conditions.
Provo has a gateway economy where proximity to national parks and ski resorts creates seasonal employment surges
The housing market features a housing market that gives you more square footage per dollar than either coast
The dry climate is gentle on homes, but water scarcity adds hidden costs to landscaping, pool maintenance, and utility bills.. The lifestyle here is characterized by A laid-back lifestyle that masks some of the highest housing costs in the nation. The view is free — the rent is not..
Financially, Provo is remarkably middle-of-the-road. A cost index of 106 means your dollar goes about as far as the national average — neither a bargain bin nor a premium market.
💰 Purchasing Power in Provo
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Provo, your dollar buys 6% less than the national average.
🔺 Where Provo Costs More
🔽 Where Provo Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Provo
What it actually costs to live in Provo each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Provo's cost index of 106 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Provo's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Proximity to the coast or mountains drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Provo vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Provo
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
+17%HVAC Installation
+28%Plumbing Services
+18%Electrical Work
+18%Kitchen Remodel
+7%Bathroom Remodel
+32%House Painting
-11%Flooring Installation
+15%Landscaping
+27%Fence Installation
+19%Window Replacement
+12%Solar Panel Installation
+30%Water Heater Replacement
+11%Deck Building
+27%Pool Installation
+10%Tree Removal
+6%Garage Door Repair
-5%💼 Business Startup Costs in Provo
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
+21%Start a Coffee Shop
+20%Start a Food Truck
+13%Start a Gym
-7%Start a Daycare
-3%Start a Hair Salon
+7%Start a Laundromat
+14%Start a Bakery
+15%Start a Bar
+10%Start a Cleaning Business
-7%Start an Airbnb
-17%Start a Trucking Business
-3%📊 Cost of Living in Provo
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-3%Rent Prices
-16%Grocery Costs
+32%Utility Costs
+3%Transportation Costs
+8%Childcare Costs
-7%Gym Membership
+18%🛡️ Insurance in Provo
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
+11%Home Insurance
+14%Health Insurance
-23%Business Insurance
-1%Life Insurance
-18%Renters Insurance
-7%Pet Insurance
-7%Dental Insurance
+21%Motorcycle Insurance
+21%⚖️ Legal Services in Provo
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
+9%Divorce Lawyer
+17%DUI Lawyer
+15%Immigration Lawyer
+23%Estate Planning Lawyer
+33%Workers Comp Lawyer
+13%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+9%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Provo
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+10%Registered Nurse Salary
+24%Teacher Salary
+32%Electrician Salary
+12%Plumber Salary
+14%Accountant Salary
+31%Physical Therapist Salary
+24%Police Officer Salary
+11%Dentist Salary
+7%Real Estate Agent Salary
+35%How Much Income Do You Need in Provo?
✅ Best For
- Remote workers with out-of-market salaries
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Mid-career professionals
- Couples with dual incomes
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Single-income families with tight budgets
- Those seeking rock-bottom costs
Research Provo's neighborhoods carefully — costs can vary by 20-40% within the metro area. The most popular areas are affordable enough that location flexibility is a real advantage.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Provo
How does Provo compare to other cities in UT?
Within Utah, Provo has a cost index of 106. Nearby options include Park City and Salt Lake City, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Provo, UT expensive to live in?
Provo's cost of living index is 106, which is 6% above the national average of 100. Provo is moderately above average — noticeable but not extreme.
What is the median household income in Provo?
The median household income in Provo is approximately $47,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 106), this provides purchasing power roughly in line with the national average.
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