Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Berkeley is 146% more expensive than Provo.

$2,127/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 46%
$108,558/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 42%
$1,351,100 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 68%
$2,340/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 48%
120,223
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $975/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $11,700/year.

Median household income is $45,758/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Provo — common questions

Is Berkeley or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Provo?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $975/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Provo?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $45,758/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Provo details →

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