Murray, UT vs. Sandy, UT: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Murray or Sandy? Here’s a rapid-fire cost comparison:
- 🏠 Median home price: $475K in Murray vs $550K in Sandy
- ⚡ Average utility bill: $180/mo in Murray vs $200/mo in Sandy
- 🛒 Groceries for family of 4: $950/mo in Murray vs $1,050/mo in Sandy
- 🏦 Property tax rate: 0.65% in Murray vs 0.70% in Sandy
For an in-depth look at the cost of living in Murray, UT and what you’ll really spend in 2025, read on. We’ll compare key factors like housing, utilities, groceries and taxes to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget.
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1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical costs compare for Murray vs Sandy:
| Housing Type | Murray | Sandy |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $475,000 | $550,000 |
| Mortgage Payment* | $2,050/mo | $2,375/mo |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,400/mo | $1,600/mo |
*Assuming 20% down, 30-year fixed at 4.5% APR
🏆 Winner: Murray. Housing costs are about 15% lower across the board in Murray compared to Sandy.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Murray has a slight edge:
- Murray: $180/month average
- Sandy: $200/month average
Both cities experience cold winters and mild summers. Expect higher heating bills Dec-Feb and moderate A/C usage Jun-Aug.
🏆 Winner: Murray. Utility costs are about 10% lower on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are comparable in Murray and Sandy. Expect to spend around $950/month on groceries for a family of four in Murray, versus $1,050/month in Sandy.
🏆 Winner: Murray, but only by a small margin. Groceries cost about 5-10% less.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are the main difference when it comes to local taxes and fees:
- Murray property tax rate: 0.65%
- Sandy property tax rate: 0.70%
For a $500K home, that’s a difference of $250/year. Both cities have similar utility fees and business licensing costs.
🏆 Winner: Murray. The lower property tax rate gives it the advantage.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Murray | Sandy |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,050/mo | $2,375/mo |
| Utilities | $180/mo | $200/mo |
| Groceries | $950/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Transportation | $500/mo | $500/mo |
| Taxes | 0.65% property tax | 0.70% property tax |
| Misc | $400/mo | $400/mo |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,080 in Murray | $4,525 in Sandy |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t everything – also consider which city better fits your lifestyle:
- Murray offers a small-town feel, walkable neighborhoods, shorter commutes
- Sandy provides more space, newer housing, mountain views and recreation
Sandy averages 5°F cooler than Murray in the summer months.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Murray more affordable than Sandy?
A: Yes, the cost of living is about 10% lower in Murray. Housing is the biggest difference, with costs around 15% less.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rent prices are cheaper in Murray. A typical 2BR apartment runs $1,400/month, compared to $1,600/month in Sandy.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Murray has lower home prices. The median is $475,000 in Murray versus $550,000 in Sandy as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While Sandy and Murray are only 10 miles apart, their costs of living do differ. Murray is about 10% cheaper overall, primarily due to lower housing, utility, and grocery costs.
For tight budgets, Murray is likely the better choice. However, Sandy offers a newer housing stock, more space, and easy access to mountain recreation that may be worth the added cost for some.
Carefully weigh the tradeoffs that matter most to you. To compare costs with other nearby cities, check out our breakdown of monthly living costs in Murray.
And if you do make the move, be sure to compare moving company costs to get the best deal and minimize headaches. Happy budgeting!