Lehi, UT Salary Guide: The Real Value of a $100k Paycheck

You got the offer letter. It says $100,000. In Lehi, Utah, that number feels solid, but the sticker price is rarely what you take home. As a financial analyst, I don't look at gross income; I look at liquidity.

This guide breaks down exactly what a $100k salary means in the Silicon Slopes, how to budget it using the 50/30/20 rule, and how Lehi stacks up against tax-heavy metros.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the numbers. The gap between your gross salary and your actual spending power is defined by the "Tax Wedge."

The Math:

• Sticker Price: $100,000 (Annual Gross)
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (UT): -$4,500
• Local Tax: $0
• Total Deductions: -$25,764

The Reality:

• Take Home Pay: $74,236 (Annual Net)
• Monthly Net: $6,186

The Analysis:
For every dollar you earn, 25.8% disappears to taxes. While Utah does levy a state income tax (unlike neighboring Wyoming or Nevada), it is significantly lower than high-tax states like California or New York. Retaining 74% of your gross income is a strong baseline for wealth accumulation in the current economic climate.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $6,186 hitting your bank account every month, you have high purchasing power. Here is how you deploy that capital to maximize financial health in Lehi.

Needs: $3,093 (50%)

This bucket covers rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation.

• The Rent Reality: The median rent for a 1-bedroom in Lehi hovers around $1,500–$1,700. This leaves you with roughly $1,400 for utilities, insurance, and food.
• Verdict: You are comfortable. You can cover a decent apartment and a car payment without stress. However, if you plan to buy a home, this "Needs" bucket will balloon, requiring you to pull from "Wants" or "Savings."

Wants: $1,856 (30%)

This is your disposable income for dining, entertainment, and subscriptions.

• Purchasing Power: Lehi is cheaper than Salt Lake City proper. You can eat out frequently, hit the Thanksgiving Point golf courses, and still have cash left over.
• Strategy: Keep this liquid. If you are aggressive with your "Savings" bucket, you can raid this fund for travel or gadgets without guilt.

Savings: $1,237 (20%)

This is the wealth creation engine.

• The Compound Effect: $1,237/month is $14,844 per year.
• The Strategy: Max out your Roth IRA ($7,000 limit for 2024) and put the remaining $7,844 into a 401(k) or a brokerage account. In Lehi, a $100k salary allows you to save aggressively if you avoid lifestyle inflation.

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Lehi Taxes vs. The Competition

Why choose Lehi? It’s about what you keep.

Lehi, UT vs. Austin, TX

• Austin: No state income tax, but property taxes are brutal (approx. 1.8%).
• Lehi: State tax is 4.5%, but property taxes are low (approx. 0.6%).
• Winner: For renters, Lehi wins. For homeowners with a $600k+ house, Austin might edge out on total tax liability, but you sacrifice the Utah mountain lifestyle.

Lehi, UT vs. New York City, NY

• NYC: Federal + State + City Tax. You would lose roughly 35-40% of your gross income to taxes.
• Lehi: You keep 74%.
• Winner: Lehi. To match the $6,186 monthly net in NYC, you would need a salary of roughly $145,000.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Lehi?
A: Lehi follows the Utah state income tax rate, which is currently 4.4% (subject to legislative changes). There is no additional local city income tax.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Lehi?
A: Yes. It is well above the median household income for the area. It allows for a comfortable lifestyle, the ability to rent without roommates, and the capacity to save $1,200+ per month.

Q: Does Lehi have a local city tax?
A: No. Lehi City does not levy a local income tax on residents.

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Methodology: Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Tables (Standard Deduction, Single Filer), Social Security/Medicare FICA rates, and Utah State Tax brackets. Budget allocations follow the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) 50/30/20 guidelines. Salary data cross-referenced with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Utah State Comptroller reports.