Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Orem?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Orem, you need to earn at least $62,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,568, which means the typical resident is $15,408 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 97,100

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,088	$3,627	$43,520	$-34,048
1 Bedroom	$1,290	$4,300	$51,600	$-25,968
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,554	$5,180	$62,160	$-15,408
3 Bedroom	$1,896	$6,320	$75,840	$-1,728
4 Bedroom	$2,331	$7,770	$93,240	+$15,672

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Orem's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,568

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$62,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,408

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Orem

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Orem's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,939

Studio

$1,088/mo

1 BR

$1,290/mo

2 BR

$1,554/mo

3 BR

$1,896/mo

4 BR

$2,331/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Orem.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Orem's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Orem

Living in Orem is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,408 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Orem typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Orem, a studio at $1,088/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,896/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $75,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $93,240 would position you well — though many residents in Orem manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Orem, Utah.

With a total population of 97,100, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 50,745 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $62,160 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

50,745

Active civilian employees in Orem

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Orem

What salary do I need to live in Orem, Utah?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Orem under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $62,160. The median household income in Orem is $77,568.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Orem on $77,568?

The affordability verdict for Orem is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.0%, meaning median earners have a $15,408 surplus.

What is the average rent in Orem compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Orem is $1,290/month. With a median household income of $77,568, residents spend approximately 24.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Orem?

A studio in Orem rents for approximately $1,088/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $43,520 to afford this.

Is Orem considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,408 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Orem is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $62,160 to the local median household income.

How Orem Compares

Other cities in Utah with salary requirements