City Comparison
Brunswick vs Orono
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brunswick scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brunswick
Orono
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Brunswick is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Orono.
| Metric | Brunswick | Orono | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,750 | -6% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $230 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,570 | $2,680 | -4% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brunswick offers 4% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Orono delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Brunswick is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Orono.
| Metric | Brunswick | Orono |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $61,528 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,952 idx | 64,766 idx |
| Household Income | $74,952 | $59,784 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.2°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Brunswick sees 3.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brunswick | Orono |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.90°F | 45.70°F |
| Summer High | 77.10°F | 78.30°F |
| Winter Low | 12.90°F | 10.60°F |
| Rainfall | 40.30 in | 39.20 in |
| Snowfall | 47.30 in | 44.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | 251 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Orono has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Brunswick.
| Metric | Brunswick | Orono |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 15 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 64.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Brunswick is the larger city
— approximately 2x the population of Orono.
From a growth perspective, Orono is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Brunswick has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brunswick | Orono |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,336 | 11,250 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.28% | 1.50% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 21.7 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brunswick
Advantages
Median household income stands at $74,952, outperforming many non-metropolitan areas in Maine.
Direct Amtrak Downeaster rail service connects downtown Brunswick directly to Boston.
Thriving innovation economy and job growth centered around the redeveloped Brunswick Landing campus.
Exceptional public safety with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Rich cultural and educational amenities driven by the presence of Bowdoin College.
Drawbacks
Housing inventory is tight, putting upward pressure on local rental and home purchase prices.
High heating and electricity utility costs during severe New England winters.
Modest public transit infrastructure outside of the downtown core and rail connection.
Property taxes can be burdensome for fixed-income residents and retirees.
Winter weather brings heavy snowfall averaging over 47 inches annually.
Orono
Advantages
Median property value in Orono is significantly lower than the national average, providing accessible homeownership options per Data USA 2024.
The town boasts an active New England village downtown with robust walkability and local dining per Census Bureau data.
Extensive recreational trail systems and river access offer exceptional outdoor activities year-round.
Proximity to the University of Maine provides rich cultural, athletic, and educational events for residents.
Crime rates remain well below national averages, ensuring a secure environment for families and students.
Drawbacks
The local poverty rate is elevated due to the large concentration of students with low reported individual incomes per Census Bureau profiles.
Severe winter weather with heavy snowfall requires high heating costs and winter maintenance overhead.
Rental inventory can experience tight seasonal demand fluctuations tied to the academic calendar.
Job diversification outside of education and public services is relatively limited locally.
Public transit options beyond regional connections to Bangor are sparse for destinations outside the immediate area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Brunswick
#162Maine, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
46.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.28%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
79
Business
70
Orono
#202Maine, USA
63.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$61,528
Cost Index
95
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
45.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
76
Business
68
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