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Quality of Life in Holladay, UT
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
85% above national average
The Real Cost of Living in Holladay, UT for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $26k | $50k |
| Comfortable | $136k | $200k |
| Luxury | $203k+ | $315k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $275k+ | $427k+ |
56%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
7 within 10 miles
Gas
20 within 10 miles
Hospital
20 within 20 miles
Airport
SLC — Salt Lake City International
Post Office
USPS — Holladay, UT
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Holladay, Utah, is an affluent suburban enclave located just southeast of Salt Lake City, known for its tree-lined streets, strong sense of community, and high quality of life. With a cost of living index of 185 (nearly double the national average), the city attracts established professionals, families, and retirees who prioritize safety, excellent schools, and proximity to outdoor recreation over lower housing costs. The median household income is well above the state average, reflecting a population that values stability and access to premium amenities.
Cost of living, housing, and affordability compared to Salt Lake City
Holladay’s cost of living is significantly higher than both the national average and many neighboring communities, driven primarily by housing. The median home value sits at $700,100, which is roughly 40% higher than the Salt Lake City metro median and more than double the national figure. Median rent is $1,653, making it one of the pricier rental markets in the Salt Lake Valley. For context, a comparable home in nearby Millcreek or Cottonwood Heights might be 10–15% less expensive, while downtown Salt Lake City offers more condos and apartments at similar or slightly lower rents. Property taxes in Holladay are moderate for Utah, but the high home values mean annual tax bills are substantial. Despite the premium, many residents find the trade-off worthwhile for the lower crime rates and top-rated school district. The average commute is just 19.6 minutes, well below the national average of 26 minutes, which reduces transportation costs and adds to daily convenience.
What daily life is like for families: schools, parks, and local amenities
Daily life in Holladay revolves around its excellent public schools, extensive park system, and walkable village-style commercial areas. The city is served by the Granite School District, with Holladay Elementary, Olympus Junior High, and Olympus High School consistently ranking among the top in Utah for test scores and college readiness. The city maintains over 20 parks, including the 50-acre Holladay Lions Park with sports fields, a dog park, and a popular farmers market from June to October. For shopping and dining, the Holladay Village area along Highland Drive offers boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants like Table X and Cafe Trio, while the nearby Cottonwood Mall redevelopment adds retail and entertainment options. Outdoor enthusiasts have immediate access to Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, with world-class resorts like Snowbird and Alta just 25 minutes away. The community calendar is active with events such as the Holladay Arts Council performances, summer concerts in the park, and the annual Holladay City Celebration. The overall pace is quieter than downtown Salt Lake City, with a strong emphasis on family activities, neighborhood block parties, and volunteerism.
Holladay is best suited for those who can afford its premium housing costs and value a safe, family-oriented environment with top-tier schools and easy access to both urban jobs and mountain recreation. It appeals particularly to professionals commuting to Salt Lake City or the University of Utah, as well as empty-nesters downsizing from larger homes in the area. Retirees also find the walkable neighborhoods and low crime appealing. However, young renters or first-time homebuyers on a median income may struggle with the high entry costs and should consider nearby communities like Murray or South Salt Lake for more affordable options. For those who prioritize community feel, outdoor lifestyle, and educational excellence over budget, Holladay offers one of the highest quality-of-life packages in the Salt Lake Valley.
Crime in Holladay, UT
Generally safer than 67% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Holladay, Utah, presents a mixed safety profile that demands careful consideration from potential residents. While the city’s violent crime rate of 215.9 incidents per 100,000 people is notably lower than the national average, its property crime rate of 1,267.7 per 100,000 exceeds both the state and national benchmarks. This combination places Holladay in a category where residents generally feel safe from violent confrontations but face a tangible, above-average risk of theft, burglary, and vehicle-related crime.
Crime in context
Holladay’s violent crime rate is roughly 40% lower than the U.S. average, making it safer than many comparably sized suburbs in the Salt Lake City metro area. However, the property crime rate is approximately 15% higher than the national average and significantly above Utah’s statewide figure. This disparity is common in affluent suburbs near large metro areas, where higher-value targets attract property offenders. A critical factor for readers to weigh is the broader criminal justice environment: Salt Lake County, which includes Holladay, has seen a shift toward progressive prosecution policies in recent years. District attorneys and judges who prioritize diversion programs and reduced sentencing for property crimes can contribute to higher recidivism and more criminals on the street, directly undermining public safety and victim justice. This ideological approach means that even in a low-violence suburb like Holladay, residents may encounter repeat property offenders who face minimal consequences.
What residents experience
Day-to-day life in Holladay is generally peaceful, with most violent incidents being isolated domestic disputes or assaults rather than random street crime. The primary concern for homeowners and renters is property crime: vehicle break-ins, package theft, and residential burglaries are the most frequently reported offenses. Neighborhood watch programs are active in several subdivisions, and the Holladay Police Department maintains a visible presence, but the sheer volume of property crime—nearly 13 incidents per 1,000 residents annually—means that many households will eventually be affected. Residents should invest in security systems, motion-sensor lighting, and secure vehicle storage. The city’s proximity to major highways (I-215 and I-80) also facilitates quick getaways for criminals, a pattern seen in many metro-adjacent suburbs.
Neighborhood-level variation
Crime is not evenly distributed across Holladay. The eastern foothills and areas near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon—where homes are larger and more secluded—report lower violent crime but higher property crime, as thieves target unoccupied vacation homes and parked vehicles. In contrast, the more densely populated western sections near Highland Drive and 4500 South see a slightly higher incidence of theft from vehicles and retail-related crime. The area around the Holladay Cottonwood Regional Park and the commercial corridor along 4700 South experiences the most foot traffic and, consequently, the most opportunistic theft. Prospective renters and buyers should request specific crime maps from the police department for their target block, as a single street can vary significantly from its neighbors.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-05-03T20:34:45.000Z
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