Orleans, VT vs Rochester, VT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Orleans is 15.2% cheaper than Rochester. With a cost index of 71 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Orleans to Rochester should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Orleans is $757/month compared to $919/month in Rochester — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Orleans is more affordable at $156,300 median vs $251,500.

Median household income in Orleans is $57,604 compared to $36,932 in Rochester (+56%). Orleans 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 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 29.9% in Rochester.