Nashua, IA vs Orleans, IA

The cost of living difference between Nashua, IA and Orleans, IA is dramatic. Nashua is 35.7% cheaper than Orleans, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Nashua has a cost index of 63 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 Nashua is $740/month compared to $961/month in Orleans — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Nashua is more affordable at $117,300 median vs $448,800.

Median household income in Nashua is $63,750 compared to $66,058 in Orleans (-3.5%). 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 Nashua spend roughly 13.9% of their income on rent, less than the 17.5% in Orleans.

Climate-wise, Nashua is notably warmer with an average of 49°F compared to 44.6°F in Orleans. Nashua receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 29.3" in Orleans.