Living comfortably in Sandy, UT requires an estimated gross monthly income of $5,600 for a couple or small family in 2025. For a single person, budget around $3,800/month before taxes to cover typical expenses in this growing Salt Lake City suburb.
Housing Costs
Housing makes up the largest chunk of monthly expenses in Sandy. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,850/month. Renting a 3-bedroom house costs about $2,400/month on average.
For homeowners, the typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house in Sandy falls between $2,100 and $2,600 per month. This assumes a 20% down payment on a median home value of $550,000. Property taxes add another $250-350 to the monthly bill.
Newer housing developments in Sandy often have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees ranging from $150-300/month. While not required everywhere, HOAs are increasingly common in this area.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Sandy are slightly higher than the national average. Expect to pay around $180/month for electricity for a 2-3 bedroom home. Gas bills average $80/month but can spike to $150+ during cold winter months.
Water, sewage, and trash collection fees total approximately $90/month. High-speed internet adds another $65-80 to the typical utility budget.
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 |
| Gas | $80 (up to $150 in winter) |
| Water, Sewage, Trash | $90 |
| Internet | $70 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Sandy align closely with the US average. Plan on spending around $400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $1,000/month for a family of four.
A typical grocery basket containing staples like bread, milk, eggs, produce, and chicken breasts totals about $30-35 in Sandy supermarkets. Dining out costs $12-15 per person for a basic meal, while a nicer restaurant charges $30-45 per entree.
Budget an extra $150-200/month for household goods like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and paper products. Pet food and supplies for a dog or cat average $40-60/month.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Utah levies a flat 4.85% state income tax as of 2025. Sandy residents pay an additional 0.55% in property taxes, or about $3,000 annually on a $550K home.
Sales tax in Sandy totals 7.25%, including state, county, and city rates. Vehicle registration costs $150-300 per year depending on the type of car and its age.
Trash and recycling pickup is covered by the city for most single-family homes. However, many newer neighborhoods with HOAs charge $15-25/month for private waste removal.
Summary Budget Table
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,500 | $2,200 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| Groceries | $400 | $700 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Other Necessities | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| Discretionary | $500 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Total Monthly Expenses (Pre-Tax) | $3,600 | $5,600 | $7,200 |
Lifestyle Considerations
Sandy offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to downtown Salt Lake City. Commute times average 20-30 minutes each way.
Homes in Sandy tend to be larger and newer compared to neighboring communities like Midvale or Murray. However, this extra space comes with higher prices. Buying a house large enough for a family in Sandy often means sacrificing some budget flexibility.
Sandy has abundant parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. Its proximity to ski resorts and mountain hiking is a major draw. But entertainment and nightlife options are more limited than in central Salt Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What salary do you need to live in Sandy?
To live comfortably, aim for a gross (pre-tax) household income of at least $65K for a single person, $90K for a couple, or $115K for a family of four. -
Is Sandy more expensive than Salt Lake City?
Overall, the cost of living in Sandy is about 5-10% higher than in Salt Lake City proper. Housing prices account for most of the difference. -
Are utilities expensive in Sandy?
Utility costs in Sandy are slightly above the US average. Expect to pay around $400/month for a typical 2-3 bedroom home. -
How much is the average rent in Sandy?
As of 2025, average rent is $1,850 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $2,400 for a 3-bedroom house in Sandy. -
What is the property tax rate in Sandy?
The property tax rate in Sandy is 0.55%, which equates to about $3,000 per year for a home valued at $550,000. -
How does the cost of living in Sandy compare to other Salt Lake City suburbs?
Sandy is one of the pricier suburbs, on par with Draper. Expect to pay 10-20% less for housing in places like West Jordan or Taylorsville. -
What kind of lifestyle can you afford in Sandy?
With a gross income of $5,500+/month, a couple or small family can live quite comfortably in Sandy while still saving for the future. Buying a large house may require a higher income and/or budget sacrifices in other areas.