Why Living in Utah or Nevada Feels So Unaffordable Right Now

Everywhere you turn, someone’s talking about the cost of living—and for good reason. Prices haven’t just quietly crept up, they’ve exploded. What used to be a simple weekly errand now feels like a depressing financial ambush. Whether you’re filling up your gas tank, buying school supplies, or just grabbing a few basics at the store, the totals are staggering. Inflation is totally out of control. Have you seen the interest rates? Every time I drive passed one of the those mortgage rate billboards along the freeway, I shudder. It hasn't been below 6% in a long time. The amount we spend on groceries in 2025 is almost triple the amount from 2023 and it is not getting better. People are having to decide between ANY fun and stay-cations or eating and buying gas. It is crazy. According to Bestplaces.net-

To live comfortably in Utah, a minimum annual income of $97,920 for a family, and $42,800 for a single person is recommended.

I have seen some rental prices becoming a tad more affordable, but they are few and far between. You have to look a little harder for those opportunities. The amount of money a family of four needs to make to survive can vary based on lifestyle, location, and specific needs. While researching unbiased.com, bestplaces.net and jobs.utah.gov , I came with a general estimate of cost of living by considering typical expenses such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials.

Why you're not imagining the pinch

2025 Updated Cost of Living Breakdown:

Housing:
Rent/Mortgage: $1,800 - $2,500 per month
Utilities: $200 - $300 per month

Food:
Groceries: $800 - $1,200 per month

Transportation:
Car payments, gas, insurance: $600 - $800 per month

Healthcare:
Health insurance, out-of-pocket costs: $800 - $1,200 per month

Childcare:
Childcare costs (if applicable): $1,000 - $1,500 per month

Other Essentials:
Clothing, sports, miscellaneous: $500 - $700 per month

Total Monthly Estimate:

• Lower Range: $5,700
• Upper Range: $8,200

Annual Estimate:

• Lower Range: $68,400
• Upper Range: $98,400

I know these estimates are based on keeping our way of life the same without resorting to government help, but it is a stark reminder that everything is becoming unattainable very quickly.

The problem is that even if you got a cost of living salary increase in the last few years, it is not even close to matching the cost of living inflation. And who gets those raises every year??? I surely don't. When we are all in survival mode, that's when the scammers come in! Watch out for rental scams and money making schemes.

Read more here: Rental Scams 

Is it gonna take the market crashing to balance everything out again? Scary. Usually when I present problems, I try to come up with an answer, but I am stumped on this one. Mostly because I have absolutely zero control over it. What we can do is continue to plan for an even rainier day than today. Good luck everyone.

Get our free mobile app