Murray, UT vs. Taylorsville, UT: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Meet the Johnsons – a family of four debating a move to the Salt Lake City area. They’ve narrowed it down to two appealing suburbs: Murray and Taylorsville. But which one makes the most financial sense? Let’s break down the cost of living in Murray vs Taylorsville to help the Johnsons (and you!) make an informed decision.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense, so let’s start there. Here’s what the Johnsons can expect to pay monthly for a typical 3-bedroom home:
| City | Median Rent | Median Mortgage |
|---|---|---|
| Murray | $1,850 | $1,600 |
| Taylorsville | $1,650 | $1,450 |
🏆 Winner: Taylorsville. The Johnsons would save about $200 per month on housing in Taylorsville compared to Murray.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are the next big factor. In both cities, the Johnsons can expect to pay around:
- $120/month for electricity
- $70/month for gas
- $60/month for water/sewer/trash
- $80/month for internet
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between Murray and Taylorsville. The Johnsons can budget about $330 per month for utilities in either city.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs are fairly consistent across the Salt Lake Valley. The Johnsons should plan on spending around $800-$1,000 per month on groceries for their family of four, plus $400-$600 on dining out and incidentals.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Neither Murray nor Taylorsville has a significant cost advantage for food and daily expenses.
Taxes and Fees
Utah has a flat 4.95% income tax rate statewide. However, property taxes and city fees vary a bit:
- Murray property tax rate: 0.99%
- Taylorsville property tax rate: 1.03%
For a $400,000 home, that’s a difference of about $160 per year. Both cities have similar ranges for HOA fees, if applicable.
🏆 Winner: Murray, but it’s close. The Johnsons would pay slightly lower property taxes in Murray.
Cost of Living Summary
| Monthly Expense | Murray | Taylorsville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage) | $1,600 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $330 | $330 |
| Groceries | $900 | $900 |
| Dining Out | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Misc Expenses | $600 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,430 | $4,230 |
Overall, the Johnsons’ cost of living would be about $200 lower per month in Taylorsville compared to Murray. That’s nearly $2,400 in annual savings!
Lifestyle Considerations
Of course, choosing a place to live is about more than just the numbers. Here are a few other factors for the Johnsons to consider:
- Commute: Murray is a bit closer to downtown Salt Lake City. If the Johnsons work in the city center, Murray could save them 10-15 minutes each way.
- Schools: Both cities have solid public school options. Murray has a slight edge in school ratings, but Taylorsville offers more school choice.
- Amenities: Murray has more parks, trails, and rec centers. Taylorsville has better access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Murray more affordable than Taylorsville?
A: Taylorsville has a slight edge in affordability, mainly due to lower housing costs. A typical family would save about $200 per month living in Taylorsville vs Murray.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Taylorsville has lower median rent prices. A 3-bedroom home rents for about $1,650 in Taylorsville compared to $1,850 in Murray.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices and mortgage payments are lower in Taylorsville. Buyers can expect to pay around $1,450 per month in Taylorsville vs $1,600 in Murray.
The Bottom Line
For the budget-conscious Johnsons, Taylorsville looks like the clear winner. They’d save a good chunk of change on housing while still enjoying a great quality of life. However, if being closer to downtown or outdoor recreation is a priority, Murray could be worth the added cost.
Ultimately, both Murray and Taylorsville are fantastic places to call home. We hope this comparison helps the Johnsons feel confident in their decision – whichever they choose! For more insights, check out our full cost of living breakdown for Murray.
Making a big move? Don’t forget to weigh the pros and cons of pods vs trucks for transporting your belongings. Happy house hunting!