Quick answer
Provo costs $2360/month less overall ($1,485 vs $3,845/mo). Provo also has lower state income tax (4.85% vs Up to 10.9%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
New York vs Provo
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
New York vs Provo at a Glance
| Metric | New York | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $3,200 | $1,400 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $4,500 | $1,400 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $750K | $520K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $95 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $480 | $290 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $3,845 | $1,485 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 88/100 ✓ | 68/100 |
| Transit Score | 89/100 ✓ | 42/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 10.9% | 4.85% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Provo's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $3,200 in New York — a $2,100/month difference, or $25,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Provo charges 4.85% state income tax vs Up to 10.9% in New York. On an $80K salary that's a $4,840/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $13,080 vs $5,820 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Provo are $520K vs $750K in New York. At a 20% down payment, that's a $46,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: New York utilities run $70 more per month than Provo. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
New York, NY
New York's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Provo, UT
Provo's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
New York
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold snowy winters (-5°F possible), spectacular fall
Provo
Four seasons with cold, snowy winters (average 60 inches annual snowfall) and warm, dry summers (85°F average). Spring and fall are mild.
Job Market
New York top industries
Provo top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to New York if…
- →You're a finance professionals
- →You're a media & entertainment workers
- →You're a ambitious 20-somethings
- →You're a culture seekers
- →You want to live without a car
Move to Provo if…
- →You're a Software engineers and tech workers
- →You're a LDS families
- →You're a Young professionals seeking career growth
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts (skiing, hiking)
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York or Provo cheaper to live in?
Provo is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,485 in Provo vs $3,845 in New York — a $2360/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — New York or Provo?
New York is more walkable with a Walk Score of 88/100 vs 68/100. Provo is more car-dependent.
New York vs Provo: which has lower state income tax?
Provo has lower state income tax (4.85%). On an $80K salary, that saves $4,840/year vs New York (Up to 10.9%).
Is New York or Provo better for buying a home?
Provo has lower median home prices at $520K vs $750K in New York — a $230,000 difference on the median home.