Utah is known as one of the most family-focused states in the nation. It’s full of young families and, in more recent years, young professionals, as Silicon Slopes, Utah’s booming tech industry, is reeling in tech workers.
No matter what your living situation or budget, Utah has plenty of affordable cities where you can live comfortably and conveniently.
The cheapest cities in Utah by average rent prices
Although many people want to be in the heart of Salt Lake City, the rent prices for such a sought-after location are constantly on the rise. So, instead of paying through the nose for a tiny space, you can opt for other cities. You’ll still have the beautiful mountain views and experience the family vibes wherever you go — but for a fraction of the price.
10. Centerville
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,071
- Average rent change in the past year: +7.06 percent
Located just 15 minutes north of Salt Lake, Centerville isn’t a far commute for someone working the city who doesn’t want the high price tag of a downtown apartment. It’s a smaller community nestled near the base of the mountains with a wide range of demographics, from young professionals to small families to empty-nesters.
And although Centerville isn’t a big city, everything you need to live comfortably is still easily-accessible, like grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment.
9. Layton
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,001
- Average rent change in the past year: +8.64 percent
Nestled in between Ogden and Salt Lake City, Layton is another one of the many family-friendly cities in the state. Hill Air Force Base is nearby, so many military personnel and their families live in the area. It’s got enough of what most people want, including entertainment and shopping options.
As a huge bonus, it’s only a few minutes from Layton to Lagoon Amusement Park, a popular park with classic theme park food, games, roller coasters and other rides that cater to all age groups and interests.
8. Herriman
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,095
- Average rent change in the past year: -1.52 percent
A growing city that’s full of newly-developed suburbs, Herriman is a young and vibrant area in the southeast of the Salt Lake Valley. It’s home to many young families and professionals, as it’s only a few minutes to Silicon Slopes, a hub for tech and software jobs.
If you’re looking for newer, more modern housing and more square footage than some of the bigger cities, Herriman is the perfect place for you.
7. Bountiful
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,014
- Average rent change in the past year: +5.35 percent
Another city that’s great for those commuting to Salt Lake for work, Bountiful has a small-town feel, with many family-owned businesses that have been around for decades.
Although Bountiful is a smaller town, being just 10 miles from Downtown SLC, you can live a double life as a city-slicker and a country-dweller, doing as you please between the two areas with convenience.
6. West Jordan
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,010
- Average rent change in the past year: +5.42 percent
West Jordan is the fourth-largest city in Utah and covers a large area. Jordan Landing, a 500-acre shopping and entertainment complex, provides quick convenience to a variety of stores, restaurants and other businesses, including dentists and doctors’ offices.
With recent growth from a younger population, West Jordan is currently working on many improvements and in recent years, has built a new library/community center and middle school, renovated a large community park and made public transportation more easily-accessible.
5. North Salt Lake
Source: Foxboro Terrace
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,011
- Average rent change in the past year: +4.74 percent
A young, trendy area, especially great for outdoor enthusiasts, North Salt Lake boasts of many green spaces, including parks and quick access to plenty of hiking trails. It’s a safe, family-friendly area and, although near the popular downtown area, doesn’t feel like it’s in the middle of a bustling city. Rather, North Salt Lake is a bit quieter and full of friendly, open-minded individuals.
4. Pleasant Grove
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,027
- Average rent change in the past year: +1.75 percent
Pleasant Grove is filled with young families and is known for having great schools, making it one of the safest and most family-oriented cities you’ll come across. With Mount Timpanogos, the Timpanogos Caves and Utah Lake all just a stone’s throw away, you’ve got some of the most beautiful views, and there are numerous parks scattered throughout the city.
But it’s not great just for families — Pleasant Grove is also a great transitional city for young professionals who attended one of the nearby universities (BYU and UVU) and are starting out in their careers.
3. Taylorsville
- Average 1-BR rent price: $1,066
- Average rent change in the past year: -2.12 percent
Bordering the city of West Jordan, Taylorsville shares many of the same amenities and types of communities. It’s close to the freeway and other smaller highways, so getting almost anywhere in the valley is quick and convenient.
Taylorsville also has one of the best recreation centers in the area, complete with an outdoor pool, rock climbing wall and pickleball courts.
2. Midvale
Source: Riverwalk Luxury Apartments
- Average 1-BR rent price: $969
- Average rent change in the past year: +3.58 percent
An up-and-coming area for young professionals looking to escape the expensive city costs, Midvale is slowly becoming a more attractive area. Its job market is growing consistently since it’s close to the city, but office space is more abundant and much more affordable.
Plus, Midvale has many one-of-a-kind restaurants, a large shopping mall and a new Top Golf venue for entertainment.
1. West Valley City
- Average 1-BR rent price: $956
- Average rent change in the past year: +1.5 percent
Coming in as the second-largest city in Utah (right behind Salt Lake), West Valley City revolves around community entertainment. Home to the USANA Amphitheatre, where there are outdoor concerts and live performances during the warmer months, and the indoor Maverick Center, where you can catch concert or sporting event (including ice hockey), there’s always a fun and lively event happening in West Valley City.
Utah average rent prices
Rent prices have remained fairly steady overall, with the state’s average rent price increasing by only one dollar. In 2020, the current average is $1,315 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Although prices haven’t increased significantly for renters, the tech boom currently taking place is drawing more people to Utah and creating greater competition among renters. It’s foreseen that rental prices will increase in the years to come — so get in while you can!
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory from April 2019 to April 2020. We use a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets. Cities were excluded if they did not have an average of at least 20 units in our available inventory during that time period.
The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
