F
60%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
197%
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 Highland Utah National
Cost of living160105100
Groceries99101100
Health care102101100
Housing297113100
Transportation102101100
Utilities98101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103102100
Household Items102102100
Education & Childcare104105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Highland, UT

The cost of living in Highland affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Highland is 160, which is 60% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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 Highland 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, Highland falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Highland cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 196.6%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Highland Affordable?

Is Highland affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Highland, for instance, where the median home price falls 233.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 111% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Highland flaunting a median household income of $219,470, 169.8% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Highland?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Highland, the utilities index registers at 1.6% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Highland, the housing index is 196.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Highland shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Highland is 52% higher than the Utah average
  • The cost of living in Highland is 60% higher than the national average
  • Highland housing is 197% 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 Highland

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Compare Highland, 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$216,125$18,010$5,043$6,484
      Renters$202,659$16,888$4,728$6,080
      The affordability of the housing market in Highland, UT as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Highland homeowners, the median income is $216,125. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $5,043 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $202,659. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $4,728 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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%
      Midvale, UT34,47711514.9%
      Orem, UT101,22911515.2%
      White City, UT5,99011716.9%
      West Jordan, UT117,77012120.6%
      Highland, UT19,51316059.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Liberal, KS19,5109010.3%
      Madisonville, KY19,5228911.1%
      Valle Vista, CA19,53011515.4%
      Sherrelwood, CO19,53112322.6%
      Salmon Arm, BC19,494n/a 
      Highland, UT19,51316059.8%
      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.