Let’s Set the Stage
When Jenna and Mark moved to Draper in 2022, they thought their combined income of $6,500 per month would allow them to live very comfortably. But they quickly realized that in a desirable suburb like Draper, balancing affordable housing with convenient amenities often requires some tradeoffs. For a couple without kids in Draper, living comfortably might mean spending closer to $7,500 per month before taxes.
So how much does it really cost to live comfortably in Draper in 2025? The answer depends on your household size, lifestyle expectations, and which neighborhood you choose. Rent for a basic 1-bedroom can average $1,600 monthly, while a family-sized home might cost $2,800 or more. Beyond housing, you’ll need to factor in costs like utilities, groceries, healthcare, and transportation that can add thousands to your monthly expenses.
In this guide, we’ll break down the income benchmarks and cost of living in Draper for various households and lifestyles. Whether you’re a young professional or a growing family, you’ll discover what it takes to live comfortably in this appealing Salt Lake City suburb.
Essential Monthly Costs
Before we look at how much you need to live comfortably, let’s review the basic monthly expenses for a single adult in Draper:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing (1BR Rent) | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $180 |
| Transportation | $300 |
| Food/Groceries | $400 |
| Healthcare | $450 |
| Total | $2,930 |
🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1BR apartment in Draper is $1,600 per month.
Keep in mind these are very basic living expenses that don’t include any extras like entertainment, dining out, travel, or savings. To get a more realistic picture of how much you need to live comfortably, we need to factor in your household size and lifestyle expectations.
Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type
What does a “comfortable lifestyle” really mean in Draper? While everyone’s definition is a bit different, here are some typical monthly income needs for common household types:
| Household Type | Comfortable Monthly Income (Pre-Tax) |
|---|---|
| Single Adult | $4,500 |
| Couple Without Kids | $7,500 |
| Family of Four | $10,000 |
For a single person, $4,500 per month before taxes can provide a comfortable one-bedroom apartment, reliable transportation, and enough left over for hobbies and savings. Meanwhile, a couple without kids in Draper can live quite well on a combined income of $7,500 monthly, but may need to make some tradeoffs between space and location to stay within budget.
Families will find that kids add significant costs, from increased food and healthcare needs to childcare and education expenses. In Draper, a family of four will likely need at least $10,000 in gross monthly income to live comfortably while still saving for the future.
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
Estimating your cost of living in a new city can be tricky, as there are many expenses that are easy to overlook:
- Many suburban neighborhoods in Draper have HOA fees that can cost $200-400 per month
- Childcare costs for a toddler can easily exceed $1,000 monthly
- Commuting to downtown Salt Lake City might add $150+/month in fuel costs
- Expect higher utility bills in summer as A/C is a must in Draper’s hot climate
It’s important to do thorough research and factor in all potential costs before deciding how much you need to earn to live comfortably in Draper.
Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Draper
While Draper’s cost of living is higher than the national average, there are still many ways to make your budget go further:
- Shop at discount grocery stores like WinCo Foods or Smith’s Marketplace
- Consider installing solar panels to save on utilities during hot summer months
- Use off-peak hours for electricity usage to minimize costs
- Take advantage of Draper’s extensive bike trails and walkable neighborhoods to save on transportation
Many residents also find that using moving pods instead of full-service movers can be an effective way to save when relocating to Draper.
Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?
Ultimately, how much you need to live comfortably in Draper comes down to your unique priorities and stage of life. Consider these lifestyle profiles:
Young professionals may find it easier to keep expenses under $4,000/month by choosing a smaller apartment and embracing Draper’s outdoor recreation scene for entertainment.
If you value space and privacy for your family, a more realistic monthly budget might be closer to $12,000 before taxes to afford a large home and cover childcare costs.
Take an honest look at your household needs and spending habits to determine which Draper lifestyle makes sense for you.
FAQs About Comfort & Cost in Draper
What is considered a comfortable salary in Draper?
For a single person, an income of $54,000 per year ($4,500/month) can provide a comfortable lifestyle. Couples will need closer to $90,000 annually, while families may require $120,000+ to live comfortably.
Can you live well in Draper on $3,000 per month?
A monthly budget of $3,000 before taxes can cover basic living expenses like rent, food, and transportation for a single adult. However, it likely won’t allow for much savings or discretionary spending.
What living costs surprise people in Draper?
New residents are often surprised by the high utility costs during summer months, as well as additional expenses like HOA fees and commuting costs that can add hundreds to a monthly budget.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a clearer picture of how much income you need to live comfortably in Draper based on your household type. While a single person can likely manage on $4,500 per month before taxes, couples should aim for $7,500 and families will need upwards of $10,000 monthly to live well.
Of course, these figures can vary significantly based on your lifestyle choices, so it’s important to create a customized budget that factors in your unique needs and priorities. Use this guide as a starting point, but don’t hesitate to adjust your target income up or down based on the Draper lifestyle you envision for yourself and your loved ones.