Orono, ME vs South Eliot, ME

The cost of living difference between Orono, ME and South Eliot, ME is dramatic. Orono is 37.3% cheaper than South Eliot, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Orono has a cost index of 85 while South Eliot sits at 136, 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 Orono is $1,150/month compared to $2,088/month in South Eliot — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Orono is more affordable at $219,200 median vs $437,800.

Median household income in Orono is $56,890 compared to $96,705 in South Eliot (-41.2%). While South Eliot is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Orono spend roughly 24.3% of their income on rent, less than the 25.9% in South Eliot.

Climate-wise, South Eliot is notably warmer with an average of 47.1°F compared to 43.2°F in Orono. South Eliot receives more rainfall at 47.8" per year compared to 44.4" in Orono.