Orchard, NE vs Waterloo, NE

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Orchard is 24.1% cheaper than Waterloo. With a cost index of 64 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Orchard to Waterloo should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Orchard is $850/month compared to $1,125/month in Waterloo — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Orchard is more affordable at $77,900 median vs $218,400.

Median household income in Orchard is $48,281 compared to $75,417 in Waterloo (-36%). While Waterloo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Orchard spend roughly 21.1% of their income on rent, more than the 17.9% in Waterloo.

Climate-wise, Waterloo is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 49.2°F in Orchard. Waterloo receives more rainfall at 31.9" per year compared to 27" in Orchard.