Orleans, IA vs Portsmouth, IA

The cost of living difference between Orleans, IA and Portsmouth, IA is dramatic. Portsmouth is 64.9% cheaper than Orleans, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Orleans has a cost index of 98 while Portsmouth sits at 59, 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 $575/month in Portsmouth — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portsmouth is more affordable at $115,500 median vs $448,800.

Median household income in Orleans is $66,058 compared to $79,643 in Portsmouth (-17.1%). Portsmouth 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 8.7% in Portsmouth.

Climate-wise, Portsmouth is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 44.6°F in Orleans. Portsmouth receives more rainfall at 31.9" per year compared to 29.3" in Orleans.