Cost of Living in Moab

Estimated Monthly Cost

per person · per month

About Moab

Moab is a small town of roughly 5,000 people in eastern Utah, built around outdoor recreation. The landscape is defined by red rock formations, Colorado River access, and proximity to Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The population skews young, outdoor-focused, and increasingly remote workers. Daily life revolves around hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. Summers are hot and dry, winters mild. The town has a main street with restaurants and galleries, but infrastructure is basic. Cell service and internet reliability matter for residents working remotely. Most people drive; public transit is minimal. Housing is tight and costs have risen sharply as outdoor recreation popularity has grown.

Moab's cost of living sits at $3,075/month for a moderate lifestyle, driven primarily by housing constraints. Monthly rent averages $1,540, split between downtown core properties (typically $1,200 to $1,800 for a one-bedroom) and properties on the outskirts or in nearby Spanish Valley ($1,200 to $1,500). Vacation rental conversion has tightened long-term availability. Groceries run $495/month at standard supermarkets like City Market or local co-ops, comparable to national averages. Eating out is expensive relative to portion sizes, with casual meals running $12 to $18. Outdoor recreation is free or low-cost (national parks require entrance fees around $30 per vehicle for multi-day passes). Healthcare and utilities are higher than US averages. Most residents drive; gas costs track national prices. Remote workers on urban salaries find Moab affordable; service workers and locals dependent on tourism-season income struggle. Winter can be lean economically, affecting job availability.

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