Orleans, IA vs Parkersburg, IA

The cost of living difference between Orleans, IA and Parkersburg, IA is dramatic. Parkersburg is 43.2% cheaper than Orleans, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Orleans has a cost index of 98 while Parkersburg sits at 68, 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 Orleans is $961/month compared to $695/month in Parkersburg — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Parkersburg is more affordable at $200,000 median vs $448,800.

Median household income in Orleans is $66,058 compared to $73,482 in Parkersburg (-10.1%). Parkersburg offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Orleans spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.3% in Parkersburg.

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