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Garden City, UT Utility & Living Guide

Garden City is a town in northwestern Rich County, Utah, United States. The population was 602 at the 2020 census. Garden City sits on the shores of Bear Lake and is a popular summer resort destination town, thus nicknamed the "Caribbean of the Rockies”.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$280/mo

1BR Rent$1000/mo

Sales Tax6.5%

COL Index108 (+8% above national average)

Family Score8/10

Median Home$380,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Garden City

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Garden City

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Rocky Mountain Power

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Garden City Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Cache County Solid Waste

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2000/mo
Median Home Price	$380,000
Property Tax Rate	0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo	$900

The housing market in Garden City is relatively small, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a growing demand for vacation rentals. Home prices have been increasing steadily over the past few years. The city has a few new developments underway, offering more options for buyers.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6.5%
Property Tax Rate	0.8%
<p>State 4.7% + County 1.4% + City 0.4%</p>

Utah has a state income tax rate of 4.95%, with no local income taxes.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

8/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+10% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation

Top Local Concerns

Water conservation, traffic management, affordable housing

🚌 Transit for Families

Garden City has limited public transportation options, but its scenic bike trails and sidewalks make it a stroller-friendly destination for families.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Bear Lake
🎯
Garden City Park
🎯
Beaver Mountain Ski Resort

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming small-town feel, with easy access to outdoor recreation and community amenities. The newer developments on the outskirts of town offer more modern amenities and scenic views.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Garden City based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Garden City has regulations in place to protect its natural environment, including restrictions on outdoor lighting and water usage.

Financial Tools

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Planning Tools

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📊 Garden City — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Garden City tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with an average increase of 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are relatively stable, with a slight increase in electricity usage for air conditioning.