Median rent is 21% lower in Orem ($1,405/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Orem, where the median home runs $439,000 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Orem ($81,292 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Orem is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 113.0 — 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 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Orem, UT
How much would you need to earn in Orem, UT to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Orem, UT
$57,961
You could earn $17,039 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
New York
New York
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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $439,000 in Orem — 42% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 4.65% in Utah, so Orem is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 4.85% in Utah; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Orem
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Orem.
Pick Orem if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.3 vs 113.0).
Pick Orem if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,405/mo median).
Pick Orem if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is New York cheaper than Orem?
Orem is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 23% lower in Orem.
How much is rent in New York vs Orem?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,405/mo in Orem, UT. Orem, UT has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Orem?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY 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 — New York or Orem?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and Utah's is 4.65%. Orem, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Orem to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $77,281 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