Cost of Living in Lehi, Utah: What to Expect in 2026

If you're weighing a move to Utah County, Lehi is usually one of the first cities that comes up — and one of the first questions buyers ask is simple:

What does it actually cost to live here?

The Short Answer

Estimates vary by source, but they land in a similar range. One widely cited calculator puts Lehi's overall cost of living at roughly 1% above the national average and noticeably below Utah's statewide average, with a single adult budgeting around $2,490/month and a family of four closer to $5,484/month. A separate index that weighs housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and taxes together puts Lehi about 10% below the national average — which tells you the range depends heavily on which basket of expenses you're comparing.

The practical takeaway most local buyers land on: a single adult can generally get by on $60,000–$70,000 in gross annual income, and a couple can comfortably target a home in the $500,000–$580,000 range without excessive financial strain.

Housing: The Biggest Line Item

Housing is the main driver of Lehi's cost of living, running somewhat above the national average. Renters can expect roughly $1,300/month for a one-bedroom near the city center (less further out), while a three-bedroom rental averages closer to $2,200–$2,400/month depending on the neighborhood. (For a deeper dive into buying, see our companion post on the Lehi housing market.)

Groceries and Everyday Costs

Here's some good news: food costs in Lehi actually run below the national average — around 29% cheaper by one estimate — which helps offset higher housing costs. Dining out is reasonable too, with an inexpensive meal running around $15 and a mid-range dinner for two closer to $50–$60.

 

Utilities and Transportation

• Utilities for a typical apartment run around $160–$165/month.
• Transportation costs skew slightly above the national average, largely because many Lehi households run two vehicles — one commuter often uses the FrontRunner commuter rail while a second vehicle covers school runs and errands.
• A UTA monthly transit pass (covering FrontRunner, TRAX, and buses) runs about $173.

Childcare

For families relocating with young kids, full-time daycare for children under two runs roughly $1,100–$1,400/month, dropping to about $700–$950/month for toddlers and preschoolers. That's generally lower than Salt Lake City rates but still a meaningful part of the monthly budget.

How Lehi Compares to Other Utah County Cities

Lehi runs higher than Payson, Spanish Fork, and Springville on housing costs, but it's comparable to — or below — Orem, and noticeably more affordable than Draper or South Jordan just to the north. The tradeoff for the higher price tag is proximity to Silicon Slopes employers, newer infrastructure, and shorter commutes for tech workers.

Is Lehi Worth the Cost?

For many buyers, yes — especially those relocating from higher-cost tech markets like California, Seattle, or Denver. Compared to those metros, Lehi offers meaningfully more home for the money while staying close to major employers and a short commute to Salt Lake City. For a full look at what draws people here beyond the numbers, check out our post on things to do in Lehi and Lehi's employment outlook.

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Thinking about a move to Lehi or elsewhere in Utah County? Reach out to our team — we can walk you through current listings and what your budget actually gets you in today's market.

Sources: Salary.com Cost of Living Calculator (2026), ERI Economic Research Institute, Wise.com, McArthur Homes market data, Redfin, Utah Association of Realtors.

Numbers, data and estimates can change over time and are not exact figures