A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
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 Vernal Utah National
Cost of living101105100
Groceries103101100
Health care106101100
Housing86113100
Transportation107101100
Utilities110101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment109102100
Household Items106102100
Education & Childcare112105100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Vernal, UT

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Vernal? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Vernal stands at 101, making it 1% 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.

The cost of living in Vernal closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Vernal can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Vernal Affordable?

Is Vernal 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 Vernal, the median home price is 8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 26.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Vernal boasting a median household income of $70,178, 13.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Vernal?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Vernal, the utilities index is 9.9% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Vernal, healthcare costs are 5.8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Vernal 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 Vernal is 4% lower than the Utah average
  • The cost of living in Vernal is 1% higher than the national average
  • Vernal housing is 14% lower 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 Vernal

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Compare Vernal, 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$86,601$7,217$2,021$2,598
      Renters$55,367$4,614$1,292$1,661
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Vernal, UT, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Vernal, the median monthly income is $86,601 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,021 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $55,367, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,292 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Jensen, UT3081000.2%
      Naples, UT3,6281098.7%
      Maeser, UT4,2101099.1%
      Vernal, UT10,7541010.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Exeter, CA10,75211817.7%
      Frederick, CO10,75013434.0%
      Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, GA10,750919.3%
      Silverton, OR10,75012221.8%
      Columbia, PA10,758927.8%
      Vernal, UT10,7541010.7%
      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.