Park City, UT: Cost of Living Index, Rent & Live in Park City, Utah

Thinking about moving to Park City? Locals will tell you the ski-town glamour comes with a price tag, but it’s not all sticker shock.

Below is a down-to-earth look at the cost of living in Park City, why some bills land higher than the national average, and how you can still live comfortably in Summit County without feeling gouged.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Park City, Utah

Overview of Cost of Living Data

According to PayScale.com, Park City’s overall cost of living index runs roughly 66 percent higher than the national average, driven mostly by housing and day-to-day goods and services.

While that number can make newcomers flinch, remember the town’s boutique size: fewer big-box bargains, more specialty shops, and a heavy dose of tourist pricing baked into restaurant tabs and lift-ticket economies.

Trends in Cost of Living

From 2020 to 2025, Park City’s expenses climbed faster than Utah’s average but slower than resort peers like Aspen. Inflation eased in late-2024, yet 2025 kept housing hot while utilities stayed modest, and locals expect 2026 to follow a “slightly higher than the national average” trend line. Wage growth is finally catching up, but real estate appreciation still outruns most pay bumps.

Housing Expenses in Park City

Average Rent in Park City

According to Apartments.com, June 2025 data pegs median rent at $2,100 a month—about 29 percent higher than the national average. Studio units hover near $1,700, while a three-bedroom can break $3,000, making “affordable” rentals a relative term.

Home Prices and Real Estate Market

Park City sits inside Summit County, where the median listing price topped $1.8 million in spring 2025 and briefly touched $1.9 million during peak ski-season bidding wars. Even fixer-uppers flirt with seven figures, keeping the real estate market in Park City firmly in “luxury” territory.

Homes for sale in Park City, UT rarely linger; buyers often waive contingencies for a shot at slope-side addresses.

Comparing Housing Costs with Nearby Cities

Drive forty minutes west, and Salt Lake City’s median home price drops below $550,000, while rent averages just under $1,700, illustrating how Park City’s desirability—and its ranking among mountain towns—pushes prices skyward.

Compare Park City to Provo or Ogden and the gap widens further, reinforcing why some commuters take I-80 daily to snag lower housing costs in nearby cities.

Utilities and Other Monthly Expenses

Utility Costs in Park City

Despite heavy snowfall, Utah’s power mix and newer construction keep monthly utility bills manageable, roughly $345 for a 2-bedroom home, about $80 less than the national average.

Smaller condos can see basic utilities around $172 a month, depending on insulation and smart thermostats. 

Transportation Expenses

According to AAA, Regular unleaded averaged $3.26 a gallon statewide in June 2025—hardly bargain-basement but still lower than coastal metro highs.

Factor in a winter-ready AWD vehicle, seasonal tire swaps, and the occasional $2 bus ride to the resort, and monthly transportation expenses can rival utility costs. Good news: a resident ski-bus pass knocks down daily parking fees.

Health Care and Grocery Costs

Park City’s grocery aisle marks up basics 8–12 percent over Salt Lake City, thanks to resort logistics.

Meanwhile, health insurance premiums track Utah’s statewide average, but routine visits often bill higher since many clinics cater to tourists. Still, overall health care remains only slightly above the national average, a welcome break amid higher housing costs.

Income and Salary Considerations

Average Salary in Park City

The median salary sits around $75,000, buoyed by tech transplants, medical professionals, and a service industry flush with tip-heavy roles. That figure outpaces Utah’s state median income but still wrestles with housing that’s exponentially more expensive than the national average.

Tax Rates and Financial Implications

Utah’s flat income tax holds at 4.65 percent, property tax rates stay modest (effective 0.58 percent in Summit County), and groceries enjoy a pared-back sales-tax rate.

Those perks soften the blow of large mortgages and steep rent, improving overall affordability for residents who manage to lock in a reasonable purchase price.

Using a Cost of Living Calculator

Punch your current salary into a cost-of-living calculator, toggle the housing slider, and watch Park City leap ahead. The tool will estimate whether your paycheck lets you live comfortably in Park City or alert you to needed raises before the move. It’s a quick way to compare the cost of living across state lines or even with other mountain towns.

Living Comfortably in Park City

Budgeting for a Comfortable Lifestyle

Local rule of thumb: aim for a housing-expense-to-income ratio below 35 percent, set aside a winter “pow fund” for lift tickets, and pad the grocery column for organic produce that costs more than the national average.

Add a buffer for childcare—infant care in Utah averages $1,091 a month, according to Utah News Dispatch—and suddenly that higher salary feels tighter. 

Affordable Living Tips

House-hack a basement apartment, join a community-supported agriculture share, and take advantage of free outdoor entertainment (trails, concerts, Utah’s public lands) to trim discretionary spending.

Many residents car-pool to Salt Lake City for bulk shopping and cheaper gas prices, proving Park City doesn’t demand Champagne budgets for every expense.

Future Trends for Park City Residents

Forecasts into 2026 suggest steady wage growth in hospitality tech and remote-work sectors, but real estate appreciation may slow as inventory ticks up.

Utility costs are likely to remain lower than the national average, while health care premium hikes could outpace inflation.

Keep an eye on childcare legislation, too—subsidies could improve affordability and overall quality of life.

The Bottom Line

Park City is a city of powder days, film-festival buzz, and après-ski patios—desirable for a reason. Run the numbers, compare the cost of living, and decide whether the elevated expense delivers the quality of life you’re after. With smart budgeting, even a town more expensive than the national average can feel surprisingly livable.

FAQs About the Cost of Living in Park City, UT

Is Park City more expensive than the national average?

Yes—housing alone is over 250 percent higher, pushing the overall cost of living index well above the U.S. benchmark, though utilities sit slightly lower than the national average. 

Can I find affordable homes for sale in Park City, UT?

“Affordable” here often means condos under $900k or fixer-upper townhomes in outlying neighborhoods. Buyers on tighter budgets frequently compare Park City with nearby cities like Heber or Salt Lake City for better affordability.

How does Park City’s cost of living compare to Salt Lake City?

Expect to spend roughly 40–60 percent more on housing in Park City, while groceries run about 10 percent higher. Utility, transportation, and tax costs are similar, making housing the big differentiator.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Park City?

A household income near $140,000 lets many residents balance a mortgage, utilities, transportation, health insurance, and recreation without feeling stretched when living in Park City. Families with childcare or private-school costs should budget closer to $175,000, depending on their lifestyle choices.