Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Seattle is 92% more expensive than Provo.

$1,998/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 42%
$121,984/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 49%
$912,100 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 52%
$2,220/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 45%
741,440
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $846/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $10,152/year.

Median household income is $59,184/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Provo — common questions

Is Seattle or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Provo?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $846/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Provo?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $59,184/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Utah?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Provo details →

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