TL;DR: Orem, UT has a generally lower living cost (3%) than the national average while also boasting great job opportunities in several well-paid sectors include tech and healthcare.
Orem has become one of Utah’s most attractive places to live for people of all ages. It offers a family-friendly lifestyle characterized by great educational opportunities, a dense suburban feel, and plenty of attractions that support an outdoors lifestyle.
Before you begin to search rental listings, though, understanding the cost of living in Orem, Utah, is essential. This quick guide will provide the insights you need to make a calculated decision.
Orem, UT Cost Of Living: Home Ownership & Rentals
As with any location, housing costs are likely to be your biggest expense when living in Orem, UT.
Orem is an affordable part of Utah County and house prices are significantly cheaper than they are in nearby cities like Salt Lake. The median household cost in 2026 is just over $496,000, which is a 4.1% year-on-year increase. Unsurprisingly, though, there is a significant contrast between different neighborhoods with Geneva Heights benign $416,000 while Cascade is $575,000.
Conversely, rentals typically land between $1,200 and $1,750 per month. Again, this can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood as well as the size of the property. Overall, housing costs are typically 3.5% higher than the national average, albeit significantly lower than many comparable cities.
Other Orem Living Costs Explained
While the median housing costs are a little higher than the national average, Orem rentals still offer good value. Not least when contextualized by the overheads associated with living in Orem.
Orem residents can expect to pay less than the national average on utilities, groceries, healthcare, and general goods and services. While transportation costs are slightly higher, the savings elsewhere mean that the general living costs are fairly pleasing when compared to other cities.
It is suggested that the overall living costs are around 3% lower than the national average whilst a single person with no dependents can expect to live quite comfortably on a salary of $72,000 before taxes. This means commanding an hourly rate of around $35. However, families in some neighborhoods will find that a household income of around $65,000 will suffice.
As a destination with lots to offer in terms of outdoor activities, entertainment and leisure costs can vary greatly from budget-friendly attractions to far more expensive activities.
What Is The Median Household Income In Orem, UT?
Understanding living costs from housing to grocery prices helps renters understand how much they need to earn, but the real question is whether they can.
According to Census statistics relating to the population of Orem, UT, the median household income in this part of Utah County stands at a little over $81,000 while the mean household income sits at $106,000. While this is the most recent data available, the figures have likely seen a minor increase.
The city has a population of just over 96,000 and a per capita income of just over $33,000 while its poverty rate is 10%. It is also worth noting that the median age in the city is 27, which reflects the high percentage of college and university students.
What Does The Orem, UT, Job Market Look Like?
Labor statistics for the Provo Orem metro area show that there is a growing job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.7%, which is significantly lower than the national average of around 4.5%. Meanwhile, the five-year State Product Growth up to 2024 was 3.1%.
The job market shows that there are plenty of low-skilled jobs available in sectors like retail, which suits a young population, especially students seeking part-time roles. However, the city additionally boasts fantastic opportunities across professional and business sectors while the healthcare, education, and tech industries are thriving.
Many specialized tech roles in Orem command salaries exceeding $100,000 while there are many opportunities for continued growth and promotion. For example, software engineers can expect to start on $90,000 – $100,000 but climb to $140,000+ for senior roles.
Orem is a tech hub with a number of high-paying companies. Meanwhile, workers opting for freelance opportunities and contractor positions can potentially reach six figures without working crazy hours, especially as there are lots of prospective clients in close proximity.
Predicting Living Costs Before Moving To Orem, UT
Relocating to another city is a major life decision. If it is going to fulfill its intended purpose of building a better future, you must know what to expect. A dedicated living cost calculator for Orem shows that a living wages (poverty wages in brackets) are as follows;
- 2 adults, 1 working with 0 kids = $33.02 ($10.40)
- 2 adults, 1 working with 1 kid = $39.46 ($13.13)
- 2 adults, 1 working with 2 kids = $42.60 ($15.87)
- 2 adults, both working with 0 kids = $16.51 ($5.20)
- 2 adults, both working with 1 kid = $23.27 ($6.57)
- 2 adults, both working with 2 kids = $28.07 ($7.93)
Meanwhile, the minimum wage is set to $7.25 per hour.
Tips To Reduce Living Costs In Orem, UT
If moving to Orem, UT, and worrying a little about the potential living costs, it’s important to take positive steps to reduce the pressure. One of the best options is to find affordable Orem rentals. Start by choosing a smaller (yet still practical) sized property. Overpaying for unnecessary rooms on a property you don’t even own would be a huge waste.
The other big factor to consider is the neighborhood. The most affordable neighborhoods in Orem, UT, include Utah Valley University, West Orem, Geneva, and neighborhoods that branch off from State Street.
When combined with lifestyle cost-cutting strategies like reducing your food waste and opting for free or low-cost days out will further soften the blow. Whether you earn above or below the median household income, this supports your financial health with noticeable results.
