D+
20%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
64%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index American Fork Utah National
Cost of living120105100
Groceries99101100
Health care102101100
Housing164113100
Transportation102101100
Utilities98101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103102100
Household Items102102100
Education & Childcare104105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in American Fork, UT

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in American Fork? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in American Fork stands at 120, making it 20% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in American Fork is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, American Fork falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the American Fork cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 64.1% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is American Fork Affordable?

Is American Fork affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in American Fork, the median home price is 79.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 28.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with American Fork boasting a median household income of $115,721, 42.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in American Fork?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In American Fork, the groceries index is 1.2% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In American Fork, the transportation index stands at 2.2% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in American Fork, is 64.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The American Fork cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in American Fork is 14% higher than the Utah average
  • The cost of living in American Fork is 20% higher than the national average
  • American Fork housing is 64% higher than the national average
  • Utah general sales tax is 20% higher than the national average
  • Utah state income tax is 87% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around American Fork

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Compare American Fork, UT Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$126,651$10,554$2,955$3,800
      Renters$87,686$7,307$2,046$2,631
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in American Fork is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. American Fork has a median income of about $126,651 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,955 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $87,686. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,046 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Utah Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Utah 6.1% 8.35%

      Utah Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Utah 4.85% 4.85%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Provo, UT119,88311413.5%
      Orem, UT101,22911515.2%
      White City, UT5,99011716.9%
      Pleasant Grove, UT39,35612020.3%
      Eagle Mountain, UT36,31012323.2%
      American Fork, UT32,33012020.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Needham, MA32,325202101.5%
      Southlake, TX32,34316363.0%
      Garfield, NJ32,36313131.2%
      West Bend, WI32,289991.2%
      Saratoga Springs, UT32,40612928.9%
      American Fork, UT32,33012020.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.