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

Provo

Utah
102
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Provo is 42% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,152/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 102%
$62,800/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 75%
$437,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 39%
$1,220/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 95%
114,303
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Provo, UT and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,178/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $14,136/year.

Median household income is $46,980/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Provo is $437,100 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Provo vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Provo or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Provo and Murrieta?
Median rent in Provo is $1,152/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,178/month.
Which city has higher income, Provo or Murrieta?
Median household income is $62,800 in Provo and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $46,980/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Provo or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Provo has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,152/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Provo details → View Murrieta details →

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