Cost of Living in Orleans, IA

With a cost of living index of 98, Orleans, IA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 2% cheaper than the national average and 27% above the Iowa state average of 71. Orleans is a small community of 593 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Orleans's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $961 (27% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $448,800 (47% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Orleans is $66,058, which is 12% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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 Orleans. The area sees an average annual temperature of 44.6°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 18°F. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches spread over roughly 106 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.