Cost of Living in Ogden, UT: Manufacturing Legacy, Weber State University & Northern Utah Affordability
Ogden is remarkably affordable for a mid-size city. Cost of living in Ogden is $2522 per month for singles and $5553 per month for families of four. Living costs are 2% higher than the U.S. national average and 81% lower than Utah’s state average. Other sources place it 11% less expensive than the national average. Utilities cost 20% less than the National Average. Groceries 3% less. Healthcare 9% less. Transportation costs 1% more.
Ogden is historic railroad hub turned tech-friendly suburb. The city served as a major railway hub through much of its history, and still handles a great deal of freight rail traffic which makes it a convenient location for manufacturing and commerce. If you work in manufacturing, healthcare, or education, Ogden delivers genuine affordability with mountain access.
Average Monthly Cost in Ogden
Here’s what typical monthly living looks like:
- Single person: Around $2,200–$2,800
- Couple: Typically $3,300–$4,200
- Family of four: Approximately $5,000–$6,000
Housing costs 0.6% higher at $1207 per month for a single person and $2213 per month for a family of four. Food expenses run 31.9% below average at $272 monthly for an individual and $886 for a family. Energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 3.3% higher at about $904 per month for one person and $2023 for a household.
Watch this video to explore Ogden’s cost of living guide –
Housing Costs in Ogden
Rent is moderate; home buying is very accessible:
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- Studio apartment: Approximately $1,000–$1,200 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,100–$1,300 per month
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,300–$1,600 per month
- 3-bedroom apartment: $1,600–$2,000 per month
Home buying is strong: Median home value is $394,810. Median rent $1,128/mo. Median home value $311,300. Median household income is $72,575.
Strategy: Live in central Ogden near Weber State campus for student/young professional pricing ($950–$1,100 1-BR). Salt Lake City commute is 40 minutes if needing higher-paying tech jobs.
Utilities & Internet
Monthly costs breakdown:
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- Utilities (electricity, gas, water, trash): $149.46 per month (20% below national average)
- Internet: $50–$75 for reliable speeds
- Seasonal variations: Cold winters; heating adds $80–$120/month Nov–March
Electricity $0.14/kWh—26% below US average.
Grocery & Food Costs
Expect to spend on groceries:
Groceries are cheap—one of Ogden’s biggest cost advantages.
Transportation Costs
Transportation depends on job location:
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- Car owners: Gas, insurance, parking average $180–$320 monthly
- Public transit: Limited bus service; most residents drive
- Weber State commute: On-campus if employed there; nearby if student
- Salt Lake City commute: 40 minutes via I-15
Transportation costs 1% more than the National Average.
Healthcare & Insurance
Health insurance and medical expenses:
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- Employer health insurance: Typically $140–$380 per month
- Healthcare costs 9% less than the U.S. average
- Weber State, regional hospitals, and healthcare clinics provide employment
Other Living Expenses
Entertainment, gyms, phone plans, and personal care add $120–$280 monthly:
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- Healthcare services and non-necessary expenses comparable to or cheaper than US average
- Ogden is also known for its many historic buildings, proximity to the Wasatch Mountains
- Free/cheap outdoor recreation: hiking, skiing nearby
- Downtown revitalization projects adding cultural attractions
Monthly Expense Snapshot
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-BR/2-BR/3-BR) | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,300–$1,800 | $1,600–$2,100 |
| Utilities | $120–$180 | $150–$240 | $180–$300 |
| Groceries | $280–$420 | $500–$750 | $900–$1,300 |
| Transportation | $180–$320 | $240–$450 | $320–$600 |
| Healthcare (basic) | $50–$140 | $100–$280 | $150–$420 |
| Entertainment/Personal | $120–$280 | $200–$450 | $250–$550 |
| TOTAL (avg monthly) | $1,640–$2,340 | $2,390–$3,950 | $3,400–$5,270 |
Annual & Yearly Expenses
Beyond monthly costs, budget for these regular annual expenses:
Vehicle-Related:
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- Car insurance: $800–$1,250 yearly in Utah
- Vehicle registration/renewal: $150–$250 yearly
- Maintenance & inspections: Budget $500–$900 yearly
- Winter tires (essential): $250–$500 seasonal
Insurance & Protection:
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- Renters insurance: $100–$200 yearly if renting
- Life insurance: $200–$600 yearly if applicable
- Homeowners insurance: $800–$1,300 yearly if purchasing
Subscriptions & Memberships:
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- Streaming services: $150–$350 yearly
- Gym membership: $400–$700 yearly (outdoor hiking/skiing alternative)
Professional/Administrative:
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- Vehicle inspection: $35–$55 yearly
- Healthcare checkups: $100–$250 if not covered
- Tax preparation: $100–$300 if using professionals
Typical Yearly Non-Housing Expenses: $2,800–$5,200
Is Ogden Expensive or Affordable?
Ogden is very affordable. Ogden is 11% less expensive than the national average and 6% less expensive to live in than the average city in Utah. Ogden is 7% less expensive than the national average.
Real talk: Ogden is a full-service city—good schools, employment diversity, healthcare, mountains—at genuinely exceptional costs. Housing, utilities, and groceries are all cheaper than national average. It’s the most affordable of the Utah cities in this series.
👤 Who Can Afford to Live Comfortably
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- Weber State University faculty/staff ($45K–$75K)
- Manufacturing workers ($40K–$65K)
- Healthcare professionals ($50K–$90K)
- Educators ($40K–$70K)
- Families on median income ($72,575) live very comfortably
- Students seeking affordable housing near campus
⚠️ Who May Find Ogden Challenging
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- Hourly workers earning <$35K (rent becomes 35–40% of income)
- Those disliking cold winters (100+ freezing days annually; heating bills spike)
- Service industry workers on $28–$35K wages
- Anyone seeking major tech hubs (limited compared to Salt Lake City)
- People wanting walkability (car-dependent outside downtown core)
Money-Saving Tips
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- Live near Weber State campus if young professional—$950–$1,100 1-BR available
- Shop Aldi, Costco—groceries already 31.9% below average
- Cook at home; dining out cheaper but cooking saves more
- Use free/cheap outdoor recreation—hiking, Wasatch Mountains access
- Work at Weber State or regional hospital for strong benefits
- Buy a home if staying 5+ years—median $394,810 is very accessible
- Bundle car insurance; electricity 26% below national average anyway
- Commute to Salt Lake City tech jobs (40 min) while living ultra-affordably
- Take advantage of historic downtown revitalization and cultural events
FAQs
Is Ogden cheaper than other Utah cities?
Yes. Ogden is the second-cheapest after Provo (though comparable). More affordable than Salt Lake City (30–40% cheaper), St. George (15–20% cheaper), and West Valley City (10–15% cheaper).
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Ogden?
Single: $35,000–$45,000. Couple: $65,000–$85,000. Family of four: $90,000–$120,000. Manufacturing/healthcare workers earning these ranges live very well.
Are utilities really 20% cheaper?
Yes. Utilities cost $149.46/month vs. national average ~$190. Electricity is $0.14/kWh (26% below US average). One of Ogden’s biggest advantages.
What are major employers?
Weber State University, manufacturing plants, Ogden Regional Medical Center, healthcare systems, education, retail, logistics.
How cold are winters?
Very. 100+ freezing days annually. Budget $80–$120/month extra for heating Nov–March. Winter tires essential ($250–$500).
Is housing affordable for first-time buyers?
Yes. Median home $394,810 is very accessible. Entry-level homes start $300K–$350K. Property taxes low. FHA loans easier here.
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