Utah Quality of Life Index Has Dropped
Rising housing costs and living expenses have pushed resident quality of life scores to a 15-year low.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Residential
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The Utah Foundation reports that the state's Quality of Life Index has fallen to 63 out of 100, marking the lowest level recorded since the survey began in 2011. This 10-point decline since 2013 is primarily driven by challenges with housing affordability and the broader cost of living.
Why it matters
The shift in sentiment reflects how sustained inflation and elevated housing prices are straining household budgets across the state. With median single-family home prices now reaching $559,000, many families are finding their financial resources stretched thinner than in previous years.
The Utah Community Quality of Life Index now sits at 63 out of 100, reflecting a 10-point drop since the 2013 survey. Meanwhile, the median price for a single-family home in the state has climbed to $559,000, coinciding with a 4.6% decline in Utah consumer sentiment as of September 2026.
The players
Utah Foundation
A research organization that publishes periodic reports on quality of life and socioeconomic trends in Utah.
The details
The decline in quality of life scores is tied to a reduction in most community factors, with the notable exception of parks, recreation, and safety. Financial pressure is further underscored by the August 2026 U.S. Consumer Price Index, which rose 3.4% annually, and Salt Lake City's cost of living index of 101.4%. These metrics show that goods and services in the region now cost 1.4% more than the national average, creating a compounding effect on household financial health.
Timeline
2011: The Utah Foundation first administered the Quality of Life Index.
2013: The previous Quality of Life Index survey was issued.
May 2026: Utah consumer sentiment reached a previous low level.
August 2026: The U.S. Consumer Price Index rose 3.4%.
September 2026: Utah consumer sentiment dropped 4.6%.
Money Landscape
The 2026 report marks a departure from the findings seen in the 2013 Utah Foundation Quality of Life Index. The current results track a downward trend in affordability that reflects broader national inflation pressures.
Rising living costs mean that households should review their current monthly budgets to adjust for the higher price of essential goods and housing. Consult a financial professional to evaluate how these broader inflationary pressures may impact your long-term savings and housing plans.
The takeaway
The latest index highlights that housing affordability is a primary driver of the current decline in quality of life across the state. Residents should consider tracking their own spending against the 3.4% national CPI increase to identify potential budget adjustments.
Further reading
For more information on market trends, visit the Utah Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
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Do you feel your quality of life is declining due to current housing and living costs?
