Irving vs Orem
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Irving
Orem
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 14.5%, with Irving being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Irving has equivalent purchasing power to $87,750 in Orem.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Irving has the same purchasing power as $87,750 in Orem.
Conversely, $75,000 in Orem equals $64,103 in Irving.
Living in Irving vs Orem
Housing Costs
Irving's housing index of 94 is lower Orem's 147, translating to median home prices of $318,000 vs $528,000. The $210,000 difference in home prices means roughly $13,656 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,350/mo in Irving compared to $1,400/mo in Orem, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Irving and 98 in Orem. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Irving vs $466/month in Orem. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 111 in Irving and 92 in Orem. Monthly utility bills average approximately $444 in Irving vs $368 in Orem. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 103 in Irving and 95 in Orem. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,400 in Irving and $86,000 in Orem. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $73,400 and $73,504 respectively. Orem residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,713/month to housing in Irving vs $2,007/month in Orem. In Irving, median rent of $1,350/mo fits within this budget. In Orem, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 53 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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