South Jordan, UT vs. Sandy, UT: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Salt Lake City suburbs of South Jordan or Sandy? This cost of living comparison will help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
Meet the Johnsons, a family of four debating between South Jordan and Sandy. With two school-age kids and steady jobs, they’re looking for an affordable place to put down roots. Let’s break down the key costs to see which suburb comes out ahead.
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Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest expense for most families. Here’s how typical costs compare:
| Housing Type | South Jordan | Sandy |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $550,000 | $480,000 |
| Mortgage Payment* | $2,335 | $2,040 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $1,450 |
*Assuming 20% down, 30-year fixed mortgage at 4% interest. See our guide to housing costs in South Jordan for more.
🏆 Winner: Sandy. The typical home costs $70,000 less, saving the Johnsons nearly $300 per month on a mortgage.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect similar utility bills in both cities, averaging $180-$220 per month for a family of four. Air conditioning drives up summer electric bills, while gas heating spikes winter costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility costs between South Jordan and Sandy.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family of four will run the Johnsons about $1,100 per month in either city, based on the USDA’s moderate grocery plan. Restaurant prices are comparable too, with a basic meal out costing $12-15 per person.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are neck and neck.
Taxes and Fees
Utah’s flat 4.95% income tax applies statewide. But Sandy has a slightly lower property tax rate of 0.69% vs South Jordan’s 0.73%. That saves Sandy homeowners about $200 per year on a median-priced home.
🏆 Winner: Sandy, but it’s close. Lower property taxes give Sandy a slight edge.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | South Jordan | Sandy |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,335 | $2,040 |
| Utilities | $200 | $200 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes | 4.95% + 0.73% | 4.95% + 0.69% |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,535 | $4,190 |
Note: Costs are estimates based on a family of four. See a detailed monthly budget breakdown for South Jordan.
Lifestyle Fit
Sandy offers a better bang for the buck overall. But South Jordan has perks like larger lots and quick access to Silicon Slopes tech employers. Sandy is more walkable, while South Jordan offers more space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Jordan more affordable than Sandy?
No, Sandy has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. A typical family would save around $345 per month living in Sandy vs South Jordan.
Which city has lower rent?
Apartments in Sandy rent for $150-200 less per month than comparable units in South Jordan.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Sandy’s median home price of $480,000 is $70,000 less than South Jordan’s median of $550,000. That translates to mortgage savings of nearly $300 per month.
The Bottom Line
For the budget-conscious Johnsons, Sandy comes out ahead. Lower housing costs and slightly cheaper transportation add up to real monthly savings vs South Jordan.
Of course, the right fit depends on your family’s priorities. Weigh each city’s tradeoffs to decide where you’ll thrive. Considering other Salt Lake City suburbs? Check out our cost of living comparisons for more Utah cities.
Wherever you land, get free quotes from our top moving company picks for 2025 to save time and money on your suburban move.