Cost of Living in Vernal, UT
Population 10,254 · Utah · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Vernal sits on the smaller end of the Utah city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 110 miles east of Provo, Vernal is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Provo's $437,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vernal
The median home value in Vernal is $234,200 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $900/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,178/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Utah's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 5.9%. The climate averages highs of 61.2°F and lows of 34.3°F. Overall, Vernal has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 38 | 53 | 62 | 72 | 84 | 91 | 88 | 77 | 63 | 47 | 32 |
| Low °F | 10 | 17 | 27 | 34 | 43 | 51 | 57 | 56 | 47 | 35 | 24 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.59 | 0.56 | 0.72 | 0.74 | 0.96 | 0.50 | 0.53 | 0.76 | 1.22 | 1.07 | 0.43 | 0.55 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Vernal, UT?
Vernal has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Vernal, UT?
The median gross rent in Vernal is $900 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Vernal?
The median home value in Vernal is $234,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Vernal?
The median household income in Vernal is $59,178 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vernal, UT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vernal is 5.9%. The Utah state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Vernal, UT affordable?
Yes, Vernal is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Vernal?
Vernal has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 34.3°F. Annual precipitation is 8.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Vernal at a Glance
- Population
- 10,254
- Median Income
- $59,178
- Home Value
- $234,200
- Median Rent
- $900/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Utah Rankings
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