Median rent is 15% lower in Orem ($1,405/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Orem, where the median home runs $439,000 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $81,292 a year). Taken together, Orem is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 98.8 — about 12% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Orem is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Orem vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Orem, UT
How much would you need to earn in Orem, UT to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Orem, UT
$66,277
You could earn $8,723 less (12% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Orem
Utah
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Orem at $1,405/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (15% gap). Median home values are within 14% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $439,000 in Orem.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Utah tops out at 4.65% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.85% in Utah; Orem has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Orem
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Orem.
Pick Orem if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.3 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Orem if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,405/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Orem?
Orem is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Orem.
How much is rent in Austin vs Orem?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,405/mo in Orem, UT. Orem, UT has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Orem?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $81,292 in Orem, UT. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Orem?
Texas has no state income tax. Utah has a top rate of 4.65%.
What salary do I need in Orem to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $88,370 in Orem, UT (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology