Cost of Living in Orem, UT

Population 97,048 · Utah · Data vintage 2023

129
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Orem lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $439,000 — 44% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Utah.

Orem sits roughly 5 miles northwest of Provo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Provo's $437,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 144
Rent 107

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Orem

The median home value in Orem is $439,000 — 44% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,405/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,292/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Utah's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 5.9%. The climate averages highs of 64.9°F and lows of 44.4°F, with about 51.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Orem has a cost of living index of 129 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$439,000
44% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$501,561
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,405/mo
7% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,479/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$737
1 BR
$870
2 BR
$1,036
3 BR
$1,418
4 BR
$1,699
Owner-occupied 58.2%
Renter-occupied 41.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,405
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,019/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.1 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.8%
Carpooled
12.2%
Public transit
2.2%
Walked
2.0%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
15.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.5%
Total Sales Tax 5.9%
State rate 4.8%
Avg local rate 1.1%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$81,292
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$33,765
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
21% below avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Labor Force Participation
72.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.7%
Graduate degree 12.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 26.9
Male median age 26.4
Female median age 27.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
64.9°F
Avg Low
44.4°F
Annual Precip
15.5"
Annual Snowfall
51.9"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394555627384949281665139
Low °F 242936425059686756443325
Precip" 1.431.301.752.161.820.950.490.581.061.261.321.40
Snow" 12.710.75.92.90.10.00.00.00.00.57.012.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
55.1%
Good air days/yr
104
Max AQI recorded
132
PM2.5 days
231
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82.1%
4-Year Graduation Rate
21.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,448
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Orem, UT?

Orem has a cost index of 129 (100 = national average). It is 29% above the national average.

What is average rent in Orem, UT?

The median gross rent in Orem is $1,405 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Orem?

The median home value in Orem is $439,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Orem?

The median household income in Orem is $81,292 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Orem, UT?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Orem is 5.9%. The Utah state income tax top rate is 4.5%.

Is Orem, UT affordable?

Orem is above average in cost of living, with an index of 129 — about 29% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Orem?

Orem has average high temperatures of 64.9°F and average lows of 44.4°F. Annual precipitation is 15.5". Average annual snowfall is 51.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Orem at a Glance

Population
97,048
Median Income
$81,292
Home Value
$439,000
Median Rent
$1,405/mo
Unemployment
3.8%
Avg High Temp
64.9°F
Sales Tax
5.9%
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