St. George, UT Salary Guide: The Real Take-Home on $100k

You see the job offer: $100,000. It looks clean. But in St. George, Utah, the gap between the sticker price and your bank account is defined by state tax policy and a housing market that is moving fast. Here is the hard data on what that salary actually buys you in Utah's "Dixie."

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s strip away the hype and run the numbers through a 2026 tax simulation. This is the "Verification Test"—does the gross salary match the lifestyle potential?

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

The Real Take-Home Pay: $74,236

That is a 25.8% tax drag on your earnings. You are losing roughly one dollar for every four you earn to taxes. On a monthly basis, this shakes out to $6,186 hitting your checking account.

The Verdict: While Utah does not tax Social Security benefits, the flat 4.5% state income tax (on this bracket) is a tangible hit. However, compared to high-tax states, you are keeping the majority of your capital.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a net monthly income of $6,186, the standard 50/30/20 budget gives us a clear spending cap. In St. George, discipline here determines whether you are thriving or just surviving.

Needs ($3,093/mo)

Target: Rent, Utilities, Groceries, Transportation.

Can you survive on $3,093 a month in St. George? Yes, but with caveats.
The median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,400–$1,600. If you secure a unit at $1,500, you have $1,593 left for utilities, car insurance, and food. This is comfortable, but tight. You are not "house poor," but you are budget-conscious. You won't be dining out every night, and you need to watch your grocery bill.

Wants ($1,856/mo)

Target: Dining, Entertainment, Shopping.

This is your "lifestyle" fund. $1,856 is a robust number for a single person in Southern Utah. You can afford a gym membership (or a climbing pass for Snow Canyon), weekend trips to Zion National Park, and a healthy social life. However, if you opt for luxury housing, this category evaporates instantly.

Savings ($1,237/mo)

Target: Investments, Emergency Fund, 401k.

This is where wealth is built. $1,237 monthly is a strong foundation. If you are 30 years old, dumping this into a diversified portfolio could yield significant capital by retirement. Do not treat this as disposable income. In a market like St. George, where property values fluctuate, this savings rate gives you a safety net.

St. George Taxes vs. The Competition

To understand the value of St. George's tax structure, you have to compare it to the heavy hitters.

Scenario: $100,000 Salary

• St. George, UT:

  • State Tax: $4,500
  • Take Home: $74,236
  • Note: No local city tax.

• New York City, NY:

  • State + City Tax: ~$11,500+
  • Take Home: ~$67,000
  • You lose an extra $7k just for the zip code.

• Austin, TX:

  • State Tax: $0
  • Take Home: $78,386
  • Texas wins on income tax, but they hammer you with high property taxes (often double Utah's rate) and sales tax.

The St. George Advantage: While Utah isn't a "tax-free" state like Texas or Florida, the absence of aggressive local city taxes and the moderate flat rate makes your $74k go further when combined with Utah's relatively low cost of living compared to coastal metros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in St. George?
A: Utah imposes a flat state income tax rate of 4.5% on taxable income. St. George itself does not levy an additional city income tax.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in St. George?
A: Yes. It is well above the area's median household income. It provides a "Needs" budget of over $3,000 and a "Wants" budget of nearly $1,900, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings.

Q: Does St. George have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, there is no local income tax collected by the City of St. George.

Methodology & Sources: Calculations based on IRS 2026 tax brackets (Standard Deduction applied), Social Security/Medicare FICA rates (7.65%), and Utah State Tax Commission rates. Cost of Living data derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Surveys. State tax comparison utilizes State Comptroller data.