Provo, Utah: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

Provo: The Data Profile (2026)

Provo represents a distinct economic anomaly in the 2026 landscape. With a population of 113,355, it operates as a high-human-capital hub with suppressed median earnings. The city boasts a highly educated workforce, with 48.0% of residents holding a college degree, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%. However, the Median Household Income sits at $62,556, which is 16.1% lower than the national median of $74,580.

This disparity suggests a local economy heavily reliant on entry-level tech labor or a high volume of students absorbing lower wages before seniority. The statistical target demographic is the "pre-seniority professional"—individuals aged 22–35 with degrees in tech or healthcare who are willing to trade immediate salary optimization for a low-cost entry into the housing market and a high-safety environment.

Cost of Living Analysis

While housing exceeds the national baseline, Provo offers aggressive savings in essential services and consumables. The weighted Cost of Living Index (COLI) sits at approximately 91.2, meaning a resident needs roughly 8.8% less income to maintain the same standard of living as the average American.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

*Electricity calculated at $0.1222/kWh vs US avg $0.1600.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median income of $62,556 ($4,130/month after taxes) retains approximately $1,585 monthly after covering the $2,545 estimated expenses. A family of four on a dual-income median of $125,112 ($8,200/month after taxes) retains roughly $2,570, highlighting the squeeze of housing costs on larger households despite savings elsewhere.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary cost driver in Provo. Despite the 16.1% income deficit, housing is 7.4% more expensive than the national average. The Price-to-Rent ratio favors renting in the short term, as mortgage rates in 2026 remain volatile.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Relative to National Curve:
Buying in Provo is statistically difficult for the median earner. With a median home price of $485,000, the 20% down payment requirement is $97,000. Conversely, renting is highly advantageous compared to national figures, with 1-bedroom units costing $457 less per month than the US average. For 2026, renting is the mathematically superior financial move to preserve liquidity, allowing residents to save for a down payment that outpaces the local income growth.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Return to Office (RTO) mandates in Provo are moderate compared to major metros, with a hybrid model dominating 60% of tech-related roles. However, commute patterns are shifting due to the "Utah Lake Revitalization Project," increasing congestion on I-15.

• Average Commute Time: 21.4 minutes (down from 23.1 in 2024 due to remote work stabilization).
• Local Industry Stability: Heavily anchored by "Silicon Slopes" tech firms and Brigham Young University (BYU). BYU acts as a recession-proof economic engine, employing over 14,000 people directly.
• Unemployment Rate: 3.6% (US Avg: 4.0%). This indicates a tight labor market where jobs are available, but wage growth is lagging behind demand.

Quality of Life Audit

Provo excels in health metrics and air quality, though the "Haze" condition noted in current weather data reflects seasonal inversions.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, AQI, Unemployment)

Safety Analysis:
Provo is significantly safer than the national average. Violent crime rates hover around 185 incidents per 100k residents, compared to the US average of 380 per 100k. Property crime is also lower at 1,950 per 100k vs 2,100 per 100k nationally.

Air Quality & Weather:
While the current temperature is 34.0°F with haze, the annual Air Quality Index (AQI) average of 45 is healthy. PM2.5 levels are 6.5 µg/m³, well below the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m³. The primary concern is the inversion layer in winter, which can trap particulate matter for 3–5 days at a time.

Schools: The Provo School District scores a 7.8/10 on GreatSchools, significantly above the state average.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Health & Safety: Diabetes rates (6.1%) and violent crime (185/100k) are statistically superior.
• Essential Costs: Healthcare (72.7) and Groceries (93.0) offer substantial savings.
• Job Stability: Unemployment (3.6%) is lower than the national average.

Cons:

• Income vs. Housing: Median income ($62,556) is 16.1% lower than the US, yet housing is 7.4% more expensive.
• Wage Ceiling: High education levels (48% college grads) create a competitive labor market that suppresses wage growth.

Recommendation:
Relocate to Provo if you are a "Builder" (22–35 years old). The math supports renting ($1,093 for 1BR) while leveraging the low unemployment rate (3.6%) to climb the salary ladder. It is not recommended for families relying on a single median income, as housing costs ($1,766 for 3BR) will consume 40%+ of take-home pay.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Provo?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 is the comfort threshold. This covers the $2,545 monthly budget and allows for $1,600 in savings/debt repayment. For a family, a dual-income total of $120,000 is required to maintain a 20% savings rate.

2. Is Provo better value than Salt Lake City?
Yes, strictly on cost. Provo's Cost of Living Index is roughly 5–8 points lower than Salt Lake City, primarily driven by rent being $300–$500 cheaper for comparable units. However, SLC offers higher median salaries.

3. How bad is the air quality really?
The annual average AQI of 45 is excellent. However, ignore the annual average and look at the winter months. During inversion events, AQI can spike to 150+ for 10% of the year. If you have respiratory issues, this is a significant factor despite the clean annual data.

4. When is the best time to move?
April or October. Moving in winter (current conditions of 34°F) is difficult due to ice, and moving in July (highs often 95°F+) is uncomfortable. The rental market sees the most inventory turnover in late spring and late fall.