Cost of Living in Orient, IA

With a cost of living index of 80, Orient, IA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 9% above the Iowa state average of 71. Orient is a small community of 411 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Orient's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,304 (1% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $109,800 (64% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Orient is $81,250, which is 8% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Orient. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.9°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.6 inches spread over roughly 113 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.