Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Cedar City and Draper, Utah. Using Utah's 0.58% property tax rate and $1,200/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Cedar City is significantly more affordable than Draper, with homes priced 37% lower on average. That translates to $1,374/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Utah, Cedar City offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Utah's 0.58% property tax rate.
Buying in Cedar City saves you approximately $1,374/month ($16,488/year) compared to Draper, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Cedar City is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $365K versus $575K in Draper. That's $210K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $13K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Cedar City, compared to $20K in Draper. Utah offers the UHC FirstHome Loan program (Up to 6% DPA second) which applies in both cities.
Cedar City has the better price-to-rent ratio at 25.8x versus 27.4x in Draper. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Cedar City is $1,180/month on a $365K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Draper (pop. 49,846) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Cedar City (pop. 35,867) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Cedar City, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.