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Cost of Living in Orange County

Is it better to rent or buy in Orange County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$93,647
$1,405/mo

Median in area: $1,405

$350,621

Median in area: $350,621

$70,124

If you Rent

🔑
$1,614 /mo
Base Rent$1,405
Est. Utilities$209
% of Income20.7%
Pre-tax Residual$6,190

If you Buy

🏠
$2,352 /mo
P&I (6.985%)$1,863
Taxes & Ins$280
Est. Utilities$209
% of Income30.1%
Pre-tax Residual$5,452

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Orange County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyAlbemarle County, VA
$1,650/mo
countyLouisa County, VA
$1,329/mo
countyMadison County, VA
$1,302/mo
countySpotsylvania County, VA
$1,796/mo
countyCulpeper County, VA
$1,438/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Orange County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Orange County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,614, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,352 per month (a difference of $738).

How much do utilities cost in Orange County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Orange County is approximately $209. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Orange County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Orange County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $64,560 per year.