Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Orleans County

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

← Back to Orleans County Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$72,008
$943/mo

Median in area: $943

$225,838

Median in area: $225,838

$45,168

If you Rent

🔑
$1,129 /mo
Base Rent$943
Est. Utilities$186
% of Income18.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,872

If you Buy

🏠
$1,781 /mo
P&I (7.122%)$1,217
Taxes & Ins$378
Est. Utilities$186
% of Income29.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,220

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Orleans County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyFranklin County, VT
$1,199/mo
countyEssex County, VT
$1,007/mo
countyLamoille County, VT
$1,185/mo
countyCaledonia County, VT
$975/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Orleans County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,129, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,781 per month (a difference of $652).

How much do utilities cost in Orleans County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Orleans County is approximately $186. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Orleans County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $45,160 per year.