Provo, UT Salary Guide: The Real Take-Home on $100k

You see the job offer: $100,000. It’s a psychological benchmark. It feels secure. But in Provo, Utah, that number is a headline, not a bank balance. Between Utah’s aggressive tax structure and a housing market that moves faster than a BYU drive, your purchasing power is under siege.

Here is the unvarnished breakdown of what a six-figure salary actually buys you in Utah Valley.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the verification test. We strip away the "sticker price" to find the "net reality."

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (UT): -$4,500
• Local Tax: $0

The Result:
Your Take Home Pay is $74,236.

That is a 25.8% effective tax rate. You lose roughly $25,700 off the top before you see a dime. On paper, you are a six-figure earner. In reality, your liquidity is that of someone earning roughly $74k. If you don't budget against the $74k number, you will bleed cash.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net of $6,186, we apply the 50/30/20 rule to assess viability. This dictates that $3,093 goes to needs, $1,856 to wants, and $1,237 to savings.

Needs ($3,093): The Rent Squeeze

Can you survive on $3,093/month in Provo? Yes. Can you thrive? That depends on your housing standards.

Provo rents have surged. A modern one-bedroom apartment near the tech corridor (Silicon Slopes) can easily command $1,700–$2,000. If you max out the "Needs" category on rent, you have roughly $1,100 left for utilities, insurance, and groceries. This is tight but manageable for a single person. However, if you have a family, this "Needs" bucket breaks immediately. You would need a dual income to make this allocation work without tapping into your "Wants" or "Savings."

Savings ($1,237): The Wealth Engine

This is the Provo advantage. With $1,237/month strictly allocated to savings and investments, you are positioned for wealth creation.

In a high-tax, high-cost state, this number would be slashed to near zero. In Utah, this is enough to max out a Roth IRA ($6,500/yr) and still have over $8,000 left for a brokerage account or emergency fund. This 20% allocation is your exit strategy from the rat race. Do not touch it.

Provo Taxes vs The Competition

To understand Provo’s tax burden, you have to look at the competition. Utah is not a tax haven, but it is a value play compared to the extremes.

• Vs. New York City (The Tax Vampire):

  • NYC combines high Federal, FICA, NY State, and NYC local taxes. On $100k, your take-home drops to roughly $66,000.
  • Verdict: Provo saves you ~$8,000/year in pure tax liability compared to NYC.

• Vs. Austin, Texas (The Middle Ground):

  • Texas has 0% State Income Tax. On $100k, your take-home is roughly $78,000.
  • Verdict: Austin saves you about $3,750/year in taxes compared to Provo. However, Texas has significantly higher property taxes, which often erases the income tax savings if you own a home.

The Provo Reality: You pay a premium to live in Utah ($4,500 state tax), but you avoid the bleeding associated with coastal governance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Provo?
A: Utah utilizes a progressive state income tax. As of the current tax year, the rate is 4.65% on taxable income. This applies regardless of whether you live in Provo, Salt Lake City, or St. George.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Provo?
A: It is a livable salary, but it is not "wealthy." After the 50/30/20 rule, you have roughly $1,200 for investments. To buy a median-priced home in Provo (approx. $500k+) with current interest rates, you would need a significantly higher household income or a substantial down payment. $100k allows for comfort, but not luxury.

Q: Does Provo have a local city tax?
A: No. Provo City does not levy a local income tax on wages. Your tax liability ends with the Federal government and the State of Utah.

• Methodology & Sources:
• Federal Tax Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Brackets (Standard Deduction, Single Filer).
• FICA Tax calculated at standard 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare rates.
• State Tax based on Utah State Tax Commission rates (4.65%).
• Cost of Living & Salary Data cross-referenced with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) CPI and regional wage surveys.