Kennebunk, ME vs Orono, ME

The cost of living difference between Kennebunk, ME and Orono, ME is dramatic. Orono is 34.5% cheaper than Kennebunk, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Kennebunk has a cost index of 115 while Orono sits at 85, 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 Kennebunk is $1,411/month compared to $1,150/month in Orono — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Orono is more affordable at $219,200 median vs $429,600.

Median household income in Kennebunk is $93,167 compared to $56,890 in Orono (+63.8%). While Kennebunk is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kennebunk spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 24.3% in Orono.

Climate-wise, Kennebunk is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 43.2°F in Orono. Orono receives more rainfall at 44.4" per year compared to 41.2" in Kennebunk.