Orleans, MA vs Williamstown, MA

Orleans, MA and Williamstown, MA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Orleans scores 111 while Williamstown scores 106 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Orleans is $960/month compared to $1,244/month in Williamstown — a 23% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Orleans has cheaper rent, Williamstown actually has lower median home values ($436,900 vs $542,500).

Median household income in Orleans is $76,768 compared to $82,917 in Williamstown (-7.4%). Williamstown 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 15% of their income on rent, less than the 18% in Williamstown.

Climate-wise, Orleans is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 46.9°F in Williamstown. Orleans receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 42.3" in Williamstown.