Cedar City
Cedar City earns a solid score by balancing affordability and a high quality of life against the limitations of a smaller, isolated regional hub. While it excels in community safety and outdoor access, the score is tempered by a lack of robust public transit and a relatively narrow job market compared to larger urban centers.
Is Cedar City a Good Place to Live?
Cedar City is a strong choice, earning a MoveWiser Score of 75/100 based on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, and jobs.
Is Cedar City right for you?
MoveWiser can compare your budget, lifestyle, climate preferences, and priorities with Cedar City and other cities — and show you how well each one fits you personally.
See How Well Cedar City Fits MeQuality of Life in Cedar City: Why It Scored 75/100
The MoveWiser score reflects Cedar City's status as a growing, affordable regional hub. Factors raising the score include the stabilizing presence of Southern Utah University, which provides consistent economic and cultural activity, and a housing market that remains more accessible than the national average. Factors lowering the score include the city's heavy reliance on personal vehicles due to minimal public transit infrastructure and the geographic isolation that limits high-wage employment diversity. Additionally, environmental risks like wildfire and flood potential in certain zones require careful consideration for long-term property stability.
Safety in Cedar City
Cedar City earns a high safety rating on MoveWiser's 1-10 scale, with a safety score of 8/10.
Climate
Cedar City features a high-desert climate at nearly 6,000 feet, characterized by four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Residents enjoy over 300 days of sunshine annually, though elevation leads to significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.
Cost of Living in Cedar City
Population
43,255
Median Home Price
$399,000
Median Rent
$1,592/mo
Average Salary
$58,000
Groceries / month
$420/mo
Moving to Cedar City
A mountain town offering four distinct seasons, a strong sense of community for retirees, and access to public lands at a lower price point than northern Utah resorts.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cedar City
Pros
- • Proximity to national parks and outdoor recreation
- • Strong sense of community and small-town feel
- • Home to Southern Utah University
- • Lower cost of living than northern Utah resorts
- • High annual sunshine and dark sky access
Cons
- • Limited public transportation options
- • High risk of wildfire and seasonal flooding
- • Limited high-paying industry diversity
- • Distance from major metropolitan hubs
Who Cedar City Is Best For
Where Cedar City performs well
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar City a good place to live?
Cedar City is an excellent choice for those who value outdoor access and a tight-knit community. With Southern Utah University at its core, the city offers a vibrant cultural scene, including the famous Utah Shakespeare Festival, while maintaining a manageable, small-town pace of life.
Is Cedar City affordable?
Cedar City is generally more affordable than the national average and significantly cheaper than northern Utah resort towns. While median home prices hover around $399,000, the city provides a lower overall cost of living, making it an attractive option for families and retirees looking to stretch their budgets.
What is Cedar City best known for as a place to live?
The city is best known as the 'Festival City' and the gateway to Southern Utah's national parks, including nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument. It serves as the economic and cultural hub of Iron County, anchored by Southern Utah University and a strong regional medical presence.
What are the biggest advantages of living in Cedar City?
The primary advantages include immediate access to world-class mountain biking in the Iron Hills and skiing at Brian Head Resort. Residents also benefit from a lower cost of living, a growing economy driven by the university, and a high quality of life with minimal traffic congestion.
What are the potential disadvantages of living in Cedar City?
The city has limited public transit, making a personal vehicle essential for daily life. Additionally, residents should be aware of environmental risks, as significant portions of the area are prone to wildfire and flood hazards, which can impact insurance and property maintenance.
What type of person or household is Cedar City a good fit for?
Cedar City is a perfect fit for families seeking a safe environment with access to the Iron County School District, as well as students attending Southern Utah University. It also appeals to retirees who enjoy a four-season climate and active outdoor lifestyles without the high costs of larger metropolitan areas.
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Data & Methodology
For each city we gather recent data on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, jobs, transit, and walkability, then normalize each into a 1–10 category rating (10 = best) using consistent benchmarks across every city. The MoveWiser Score (0–100) is a weighted blend of those category ratings — a city scores well when several categories are strong and is held back by its weakest factors. The exact weighting isn't published, but the category ratings shown above make it clear what drives each score.
Data sources (linked where available):
- U.S. Census Bureau — population & demographics
- Redfin Housing Market Data — home prices
- Zillow — home prices & rent
- World Population Review
- Southern Utah University
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