B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 Payson Utah National
Cost of living111105100
Groceries101101100
Health care99101100
Housing133113100
Transportation103101100
Utilities101101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103102100
Household Items102102100
Education & Childcare104105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Payson, UT

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Payson? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Payson stands at 111, making it 11% 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.

When it comes to the cost of living in Payson, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 32.6% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Payson Affordable?

Is Payson 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 Payson, the median home price is 39.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 16.2% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Payson boasting a median household income of $101,475, 24.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Payson?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Payson, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.1%, and the income tax rates commence at 4.85%.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Payson, the utilities index stands at 0.6% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Payson, the housing index is 32.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Payson cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Payson is 6% higher than the Utah average
  • The cost of living in Payson is 11% higher than the national average
  • Payson housing is 33% 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 Payson

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Compare Payson, UT Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$111,749$9,312$2,607$3,353
      Renters$63,818$5,318$1,489$1,915
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Payson, UT, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Payson, homeowners have a median income of $111,749. Using that number, a maximum of $2,607 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $63,818, which means there is a maximum of $1,489 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Goshen, UT9631055.2%
      Rocky Ridge, UT1,0951066.0%
      Provo, UT119,88311413.5%
      Santaquin, UT12,58611413.7%
      Springville, UT34,43811414.2%
      Payson, UT20,93711111.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wade Hampton, SC20,9361055.0%
      Albany, CA20,944207106.5%
      Plainview, TX20,9298514.9%
      Pleasantville, NJ20,9271043.5%
      Cherry Hill, VA20,95212828.5%
      Payson, UT20,93711111.0%
      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.