Akron, IA vs Orleans, IA

The cost of living difference between Akron, IA and Orleans, IA is dramatic. Akron is 34.5% cheaper than Orleans, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Akron has a cost index of 64 while Orleans sits at 98, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Akron is $700/month compared to $961/month in Orleans — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Akron is more affordable at $145,300 median vs $448,800.

Median household income in Akron is $59,706 compared to $66,058 in Orleans (-9.6%). Orleans does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Akron spend roughly 14.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.5% in Orleans.