Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Utah runs roughly 7% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $74,925 in Utah — about 3% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
6.1%
+0.5 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
4.50%
+2.0 pp in Utah
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,166
+7% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$495,700
+36% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$74,925
+3% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
52.8°F
+22.3°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Utah?
- Utah is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,166 runs about 7% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Utah?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Utah?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Utah — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.