Best Cities for Financial Analysts in Utah
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $85,000 salary
Utah has 4 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For financial analysts earning around $85,000 annually, Provo-Orem-Lehi stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 107.3 and $52,987 left after taxes and rent. Salt Lake City is the priciest metro at 118.5 on the index, 11 points above Provo-Orem-Lehi.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Provo-Orem-Lehi | 107.3 | $1,460 |
| 2 | Ogden | 109.1 | $1,614 |
| 3 | St. George | 110.3 | $1,575 |
| 4 | Salt Lake City | 118.5 | $1,747 |
Net income = $85,000 salary − federal & Utah state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $85,000 salary for financial analysts who analyze investments and financial data, after applying 2026 federal and Utah state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Utah for financial analysts?
Provo-Orem-Lehi is the most affordable city in Utah for financial analysts, with a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (national average = 100). On a $85,000 salary, you'd have approximately $52,987 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do financial analysts earn in Utah?
Financial Analysts in Utah earn around $85,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $19,188 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Utah cities?
Across 4 metro areas in Utah, the average cost-of-living index is 111 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Provo-Orem-Lehi at 107.3, while Salt Lake City is the most expensive at 118.5—a difference of 11 index points.
Other Rankings in Utah
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