Cedar City vs. St. George: Climate, Home Prices and Lifestyle Compared

Cedar City and St. George are about 50 miles apart on I-15, both in Southern Utah's red rock country, but they feel like different places. The biggest reason is elevation: St. George sits around 2,800 feet in the desert, while Cedar City is up around 5,800 feet, with real winters and milder summers. Prices, size and pace differ too. Here's how the two compare for someone choosing between them. To browse homes, see Cedar City homes for sale and St. George homes for sale.

At a Glance

• Population: Cedar City had about 35,200 residents in 2020, with a 2023 estimate near 40,000. St. George has more than 100,000, in a county of about 208,000.
• Drive: about 50 miles, or under an hour on I-15.
• College towns: Cedar City is home to Southern Utah University; St. George has Utah Tech University.

Climate: The Biggest Difference

Cedar City has four seasons. Average July highs are around 91°F, January highs are in the low 40s, and the city averages roughly 50 inches of snow a year. Brian Head ski resort is in the mountains above town.

St. George has mild winters, with daytime highs usually in the 50s, and hot summers, with highs regularly above 100°F from June through August. Snow in town is rare.

Buyers who dread desert summers often choose Cedar City; buyers escaping snow usually choose St. George. Some do both, with a summer place up north and a winter place down south.

Home Prices

Cedar City is less expensive, though the gap is smaller than many people expect. In recent MLS sales, single-family homes sold for a median of about $510,000 in Cedar City, or about $231 per square foot, compared with about $565,000 and $264 per square foot in St. George. Across all home types, the latest median sale prices are:

• Cedar City: $380,000, with homes typically selling in about 61 days
• St. George: $500,000, with homes typically selling in about 35 days

Both cities have plenty of new construction. For trends, see the Cedar City market stats and St. George market stats pages.

Cost of Living Beyond the House

• Utilities: Cedar City homes use more heating in winter, while St. George homes run air conditioning hard in summer.
• Taxes: both are in Utah, so income tax and the 45% primary-residence property tax exemption are the same. A lower home price means a lower property tax bill.
• Driving: both are car-dependent, but Cedar City is smaller and quicker to get across.

More detail on the Utah side of the budget is in the St. George cost of living guide.

Lifestyle

Cedar City is a smaller college town with a strong arts scene, led by the Utah Shakespeare Festival, plus quick access to Cedar Breaks, Brian Head and Kolob Canyons in Zion. See things to do in Cedar City.

St. George is larger, with more shopping, restaurants and new neighborhoods, 14 golf courses within about 20 miles, and Snow Canyon and Zion's main entrance close by.

Healthcare

St. George has the region's largest hospital, Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, with the widest range of specialists. Cedar City has its own hospital for most everyday and emergency care, and some specialty care means a trip to St. George. See this guide to healthcare in Cedar City.

Jobs

St. George has a larger and more varied job market, anchored by healthcare, education, SkyWest Airlines and construction. Cedar City's economy leans on Southern Utah University, the school district, healthcare, manufacturing and tourism. Many newcomers in both cities work remotely.

Which Fits You?

Cedar City may fit better if you: want four seasons, lower home prices, a smaller college-town feel and quick access to the mountains.

St. George may fit better if you: want mild winters, more shopping and healthcare options, golf, and a larger, faster-growing city.

Bottom Line

Cedar City trades desert heat for snow and saves buyers roughly 10% on a typical single-family home; St. George trades winter for summer heat and offers more of everything. For a deeper look at Cedar City, read the pros and cons of living in Cedar City, or contact Best Utah Real Estate for help comparing homes in both.