Draper, UT vs. Taylorsville, UT: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Salt Lake City area? Many believe Draper is much pricier than Taylorsville – but is that really true in 2025? This article breaks down the key cost of living differences between these two popular Utah suburbs. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real monthly expenses of living in Draper vs Taylorsville.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Draper and Taylorsville. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Draper | Taylorsville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $650,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: Taylorsville. Housing costs are about 20-30% lower in Taylorsville compared to Draper, a significant monthly savings.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities, with Draper averaging about $180/month and Taylorsville around $160/month for a typical household. Both have higher heating costs in the winter. Draper charges slightly higher water and sewer fees.
🏆 Winner: Taylorsville, but only by a small margin. Expect to pay about $20/month less on utilities living in Taylorsville vs Draper.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Draper and Taylorsville. An average family of four spends around $800-900/month on food in both cities. Restaurant prices are also comparable, though Draper has slightly more upscale dining options that may cost 10-15% more.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Day-to-day living expenses are very similar between Draper and Taylorsville.
Taxes and Fees
Utah has a flat 4.95% income tax rate statewide. However, Draper has higher property taxes, with an average rate of 0.8% vs 0.6% in Taylorsville. Many Draper neighborhoods also have HOA fees of $100-300/month, while they are less common in Taylorsville.
🏆 Winner: Taylorsville. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees give Taylorsville the edge.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Draper | Taylorsville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $850 | $800 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes & Fees | $1,200 | $900 |
| Misc Expenses | $800 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,330 | $4,510 |
Overall, it costs about $820 less per month to live in Taylorsville compared to Draper, assuming a gross monthly income of around $8,000. Check out this guide to average monthly expenses in Draper for more budget benchmarks.
Lifestyle Fit
Draper offers more upscale housing and amenities, with larger lots and mountain views. It’s ideal for families who value space and don’t mind a longer commute. Draper averages about 10°F cooler than Taylorsville in the summer.
Taylorsville is more affordable and has better access to downtown Salt Lake City. It’s great for young professionals or anyone prioritizing a shorter commute. Taylorsville gets about 20% less snow than Draper each winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Draper more expensive than Taylorsville?
Yes, Draper is about 15-20% more expensive than Taylorsville overall, mostly due to higher housing costs.
Which city has cheaper rent, Draper or Taylorsville?
Taylorsville has cheaper rent on average, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,500/month vs $1,800/month in Draper.
Is it less expensive to buy a home in Draper or Taylorsville?
Homes cost about 30% less in Taylorsville, with a median 3BR price of $450,000 compared to $650,000 in Draper as of 2025.
Conclusion
While Draper and Taylorsville are only 20 minutes apart, their cost of living differs considerably, to the tune of $800+ per month. Taylorsville is the clear winner on housing and tax expenses. However, Draper can be worth the premium for families who value newer homes with mountain views and more square footage.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your budget, commute, and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to compare detailed cost of living breakdowns and get multiple quotes before making a decision. Planning a move? Our guide to the best moving companies can help you save time and money.