Median rent is 11% lower in Salisbury ($1,247/mo vs $1,405/mo). Buying is cheaper in Salisbury, where the median home runs $217,500 versus $439,000. Households earn more in Orem ($81,292 vs $56,402 a year). Taken together, Salisbury is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.1 against 87.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Orem, UT.
City A
Orem, UT
City B
Salisbury, MD
How much would you need to earn in Salisbury, MD to maintain your standard of living from Orem, UT?
Equivalent salary in Salisbury, MD
$74,839
You could earn $161 less (0% 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
Orem
Utah
Salisbury
Maryland
👥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 Salisbury at $1,247/mo compared to $1,405/mo in Orem (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Orem: the median home is $439,000 versus $217,500 in Salisbury — 50% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Utah's top income tax rate is 4.65% versus 5.75% in Maryland, so Orem is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.85% in Utah and 6.00% in Maryland; Orem has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Orem
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Salisbury
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Orem if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,292/yr).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,247/mo median).
Pick Orem if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.65%).
Is Orem cheaper than Salisbury?
Salisbury is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.1 versus 87.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Salisbury.
How much is rent in Orem vs Salisbury?
Median rent is $1,405/mo in Orem, UT and $1,247/mo in Salisbury, MD. Salisbury, MD has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Orem or Salisbury?
Median household income is $81,292 in Orem, UT and $56,402 in Salisbury, MD. 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 — Orem or Salisbury?
Utah's top income tax rate is 4.65% and Maryland's is 5.75%. Orem, UT has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Salisbury to match my Orem income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Orem, UT is equivalent to roughly $99,785 in Salisbury, MD (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