Median rent is 23% lower in Huntsville ($1,078/mo vs $1,405/mo). Buying is cheaper in Huntsville, where the median home runs $263,100 versus $439,000. Households earn more in Orem ($81,292 vs $70,778 a year). Taken together, Orem is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 88.3 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Orem, UT.
Quick verdict
Orem is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Orem vs 88.3 in Huntsville (US average = 100)
City A
Huntsville, AL
City B
Orem, UT
How much would you need to earn in Orem, UT to maintain your standard of living from Huntsville, AL?
Equivalent salary in Orem, UT
$74,147
You could earn $853 less (1% 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
Huntsville
Alabama
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Huntsville — median rent of $1,078/mo versus $1,405/mo in Orem, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Orem: the median home is $439,000 versus $263,100 in Huntsville — 40% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Orem is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Alabama and 4.85% in Utah; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Huntsville
Income tax: 5.00%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Orem
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Huntsville (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Orem.
Pick Orem if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,292/yr).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,078/mo median).
Pick Orem if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Huntsville cheaper than Orem?
Orem is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 88.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Orem.
How much is rent in Huntsville vs Orem?
Median rent is $1,078/mo in Huntsville, AL and $1,405/mo in Orem, UT. Huntsville, AL has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Huntsville or Orem?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville, AL and $81,292 in Orem, UT. Orem, UT 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 — Huntsville or Orem?
Alabama's top income tax rate is 5.00% and Utah's is 4.65%. Orem, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Orem to match my Huntsville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Huntsville, AL is equivalent to roughly $98,862 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