Rent Affordability for Utah (2026)
Utah (UT) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,300
Median Monthly Income
$6,250
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,875
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
20.8%
How This Calculator Works in Utah
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Utah based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Utah average.
Utah Overview
With a median household income of $75,000, Utah residents can afford roughly $1,875/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,300/month. State income taxes in Utah reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
How Utah Compares
Utah's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring Colorado, the ratio is 22.5%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $1,500 | Average 1BR rent is $1,500 with median monthly income of $6,667. The 30% rule allows $2,000 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Nevada | $1,300 | Average 1BR rent is $1,300 with median monthly income of $5,417. The 30% rule allows $1,625 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Idaho | $1,100 | Average 1BR rent is $1,100 with median monthly income of $5,167. The 30% rule allows $1,550 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Utah, the median household earns $75,000 annually ($6,250 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,875 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,300, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Utah Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Utah, with a median household income of $75,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,875/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Utah is roughly $1,300/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3State income taxes in Utah reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Utah.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Utah, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.