Cost of Living in Orleans, MA
Population 6,342 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Orleans's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $817,000 for a typical home, 168% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $98,798 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Orleans is about 50 miles east of New Bedford, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 152% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Orleans
The median home value in Orleans is $816,700 — 168% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,181/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,798/year is 32% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 57.7°F and lows of 44.1°F. Overall, Orleans has a cost of living index of 197 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 97% more expensive.
Orleans has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 40 | 44 | 52 | 62 | 72 | 79 | 78 | 71 | 61 | 52 | 44 |
| Low °F | 26 | 26 | 31 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 64 | 64 | 58 | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.75 | 3.61 | 4.43 | 4.01 | 3.34 | 2.95 | 2.79 | 3.03 | 3.58 | 4.23 | 4.47 | 5.00 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Orleans, MA?
Orleans has a cost index of 197 (100 = national average). It is 97% above the national average.
What is average rent in Orleans, MA?
The median gross rent in Orleans is $1,181 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Orleans?
The median home value in Orleans is $816,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Orleans?
The median household income in Orleans is $98,798 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Orleans, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Orleans is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Orleans, MA affordable?
Orleans is above average in cost of living, with an index of 197 — about 97% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Orleans?
Orleans has average high temperatures of 57.7°F and average lows of 44.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Orleans at a Glance
- Population
- 6,342
- Median Income
- $98,798
- Home Value
- $816,700
- Median Rent
- $1,181/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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