Provo vs Ogden for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Estimated annual swing
−$2,396/yr
Favoring Ogden for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $200/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~76 months and still keep ~$24/mo for dining out.
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High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while rates are high
Even $200/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Ogden resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
Compare Medicare supplement options for your new state
Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Provo Utah | Ogden Utah | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,400 | $1,250Better | $1,800/yr saves in Ogden |
| Median home price | $480K | $380KBetter | — |
| State income tax | 4.7%Better | 4.7% | — |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.2%Better | 7.2% | — |
| Monthly utilities | $148 | $145Better | — |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 98 | 96Better | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $495 | $465Better | $360/yr saves in Ogden |
| Walk score (0–100) | 30 / 100Better | 28 / 100 | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 99 | 93Better | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Healthcare savings
Ogden saves ~$30/mo on healthcare
Compare Medicare supplement and insurance plans to cover what Medicare doesn't pay.
More to invest
Ogden stretches your retirement savings ~6% further
Lower COL means more of your nest egg stays invested. Compare brokerage and IRA accounts.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Ogden
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Ogden homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Provo or Ogden?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Ogden scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $480K in Provo vs $380K in Ogden. Ogden is approximately 6% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Provo or Ogden?
Ogden has the lower state income tax rate (4.7% vs 4.7%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Provo vs Ogden?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $495 in Provo and $465 in Ogden. That's a difference of ~$30/month, or ~$360/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Provo on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Provo, rent alone would consume approximately 34% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,400/mo) and healthcare another ~12%. That leaves roughly 54% (~$2,250/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Provo has a higher walk score (30 vs 28 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Provo offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Provo has the same purchasing power as $47K/year in Ogden
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026