Orleans, IA vs Stuart, IA

The cost of living difference between Orleans, IA and Stuart, IA is dramatic. Stuart is 43.3% cheaper than Orleans, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Orleans has a cost index of 98 while Stuart 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 $768/month in Stuart — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stuart is more affordable at $152,300 median vs $448,800.

Median household income in Orleans is $66,058 compared to $62,500 in Stuart (+5.7%). 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 Orleans spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Stuart.

Climate-wise, Stuart is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 44.6°F in Orleans. Stuart receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 29.3" in Orleans.