Median rent is 25% lower in Orem ($1,405/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Orem, where the median home runs $439,000 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Orem ($81,292 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Orem is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 113.3 — about 23% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Orem, UT.
Quick verdict
Orem is 23% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Orem vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Orem, UT
How much would you need to earn in Orem, UT to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Orem, UT
$57,797
You could earn $17,203 less (23% 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
Los Angeles
California
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 Orem — median rent of $1,405/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $439,000 in Orem — 50% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Orem is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.85% in Utah; Orem has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Orem
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Orem.
Pick Orem if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.3 vs 113.3).
Pick Orem if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,405/mo median).
Pick Orem if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Orem?
Orem is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 23% lower in Orem.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Orem?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,405/mo in Orem, UT. Orem, UT has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Orem?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA 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 — Los Angeles or Orem?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Utah's is 4.65%. Orem, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Orem to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $77,063 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