Orleans, VT vs Waterbury, VT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Orleans is 23.1% cheaper than Waterbury. With a cost index of 71 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Orleans to Waterbury should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Orleans is $757/month compared to $984/month in Waterbury — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Orleans is more affordable at $156,300 median vs $332,900.

Median household income in Orleans is $57,604 compared to $59,934 in Waterbury (-3.9%). Waterbury 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 15.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.7% in Waterbury.