February 5th 2025
By Jordan McElwain
Explore the pros and cons of retiring in Utah. From retirement income taxes to beautiful landscapes, learn everything you need to know about Utah retirement.
Utah is a beautiful state, offering retirees plenty of opportunities for scenic views and an active lifestyle. From exploring the breathtaking views in its five national parks to joining boating, biking, and more, Utah has a lot to offer.
The state’s low cost of living and low crime rates also make it attractive.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about retiring in Utah, from the best towns for retiring to the pros and cons of making the Beehive State your retirement destination.
One of Utah’s biggest draws is its beautiful landscapes. From the Rockies to the Salt Flats, there’s so much to see. Unfortunately, Utah’s natural beauty doesn’t come with fresh, clean air. For older adults and people with pulmonary conditions (like COPD), the poor air quality should be strongly considered before retiring to Utah. Explore more pros and cons of retiring in Utah below.
The great outdoors: Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, birdwatching, or stargazing, or playing at one of the many golf courses, Utah offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Its five national parks also offer sprawling canyons, serene lakes, and unforgettable sunsets.
Low violent crime rate: Utah is repeatedly ranked as one of the safest states. It’s known for its friendly communities and low violent and property crime statistics.
Relatively low cost of living: While prices have risen in recent years, Utah still offers a relatively low cost of living, particularly in smaller towns outside major cities.
Poor air quality: Utah has notoriously bad air quality caused by power plants, motor vehicles, forest fires, wood smoke, and more. Although they have reduced emissions by 47% since 1995, air quality in the state still has room for improvement.
High housing pricing: Home prices in Utah, especially in urban areas, have surged in recent years. Many retirees find it more affordable to rent, rather than buy, in popular cities.
Taxes: Unlike some states, Utah taxes Social Security and pension income. However, there are tax credits available for seniors, which can help offset this burden.
Natural disasters and extreme temperatures: In certain parts of the state, winters are incredibly harsh while summers are brutally hot. With these extreme temperatures can come natural disasters, such as droughts and wildfires.
Utah consistently ranks as one of the safest states in the US—for both violent and property crime. While larger cities like Salt Lake City have areas with higher crime rates, many smaller towns are incredibly safe.
As a whole, Utah has the 4th lowest violent crime and robbery rates in the US A few of the safest cities include Highland, Providence, and Washington Terrace.
Utah’s climate is dry, which can result in droughts. Due to its varied topography, the climate across the four seasons varies from location to location. For example, Salt Lake City has hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters while St. George, located in southern Utah, has a desert-like climate with hotter summers and milder winters.
Generally, winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures below freezing. Summers are usually hot and dry with temperatures in the 70s. Spring and fall are mild with temperatures ranging between the 40s and 60s.
Utah’s outdoor recreation is among the best in the country. It has five national parks (Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Zion National Park), 46 state parks, and world-class ski resorts. In southern Utah, the red rock formations are ideal for off-roading, mountain biking, and camping.
The cost of living in Utah is close to the national average. Housing costs are about 4% higher than the national average, while transportation costs are about 8% higher. However, utilities, food, and healthcare are more affordable than in many other states.
Home prices in Utah have increased in recent years, and the average home is valued at $517,506. If you’re looking for more affordable options, smaller cities like Cedar City, Provo, and Price have more reasonably priced homes.
Utah has over 200 senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes. The average cost of assisted living is $3,400/mo, which is low when compared to the national average ($4,300/mo). However, this cost can vary depending on the city you live in and level of care you need.
Taxes play a big role in deciding where to retire. Utah’s tax burden is moderately friendly for retirees. Here’s a breakdown of taxes in the state:
Income tax: Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.55%, which includes taxes on Social Security and pension income. Public and private pensions are partially taxed, but seniors may qualify for tax credits of up to $450 per person.
Property tax: Utah’s property tax rate is .55%, which is lower than some other states. That said, it’s in danger of being raised. Considering the high property values in Utah, even this moderate tax rate can quickly add up.
Sales tax: The state sales tax rate is 4.85%. Total sales tax rates can range from 4.85% to 9.50%, depending on local rates.
Utah is known for having some of the most affordable healthcare in the country, and the state’s healthcare system is highly regarded. The University of Utah Health is ranked among the top academic medical centers in the US.
On top of access to healthcare providers, senior care services, and hospitals, Utah also ranks highly for health outcomes. For older adults, knowing they will receive excellent care and support is crucial.
There are almost half a million people on Medicare in Utah, and about 89% are over 65. When you first enroll in Medicare, you can stay on Original Medicare or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. As of 2025, there are 47 Medicare Advantage plans in Utah, with an average monthly premium of $16. Salt Lake City and David Utah have the highest number of Medicare Advantage plans available (28). Of course, if you choose to stay on Original Medicare, you should also consider Medicare Supplement plans, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about the ins and outs of Medicare in Utah.
With so many great cities to discover in Utah, choosing where to spend your golden years can be a challenge. No matter where you choose to settle in Utah, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, ample hiking trails, and top-notch amenities. Below are some of the best places to retire in Utah.
The largest city in Utah, Salt Lake City, offers plenty of cultural attractions like museums, festivals, and historic sites. Plus, it provides easy access to the great outdoors with the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake close by. While the housing costs are higher and traffic is dense, it has decent public transportation and various upscale senior living options.
Most notably, Park City is home to the 2002 Olympic Park. It’s also surrounded by mountains and great ski resorts. It’s an expensive area, but it’s great for outdoor enthusiasts, has a low crime rate, and is home to a vibrant culinary scene. Park City Utah is also the home of the annual Sundance Film Festival.
Cedar City is a smaller town with a low cost of living. It provides easy access to Cedar Breaks National Park and is known as “Festival City USA” for its many events and festivals. Cedar City has a welcoming community, making it easy for adults to find a place within the community.
This city is great for outdoor adventures. It maintains a small-town feel although the population is growing. It has a more mild climate, a lower cost of living, beautiful desert landscapes, and a growing retirement community. However, summers in St. George can be quite harsh.
Just a few miles from Arches National Park, Moab is a beautiful place to consider for retirement. It offers a welcoming environment that enchants retirees. The charming downtown area is busy with art walks, restaurants, and coffee shops.
This charming city offers all the benefits of urban life with great accessibility to the outdoors. It offers retirees a high quality of life, an affordable cost of living, and a revitalized, historic, walkable downtown area.
Utah’s 65+ population is smaller than other states, but rapidly increasing. The state has various resources and programs to help retirees feel safe and comfortable:
Utah Department of Aging and Adult Services: This agency provides various services, including senior nutrition programs, caregiver support, and resources for aging adults.
Senior centers: Many cities have senior centers that offer recreational activities, fitness programs, computer classes, and social opportunities for older adults.
Utah Aging Alliance: This program, sponsored by the Utah Commission on Aging, is a virtual resource center for seniors, offering support for staying healthy, independent, and socially engaged.
If you’ve started retirement planning, it’s easy to see why Utah might be on your list. The state has a lot to offer. From its world-class golf courses to its national parks and relatively affordable healthcare and cost of living, it's an attractive place to spend your golden years.
