City Comparison
Orono vs Biddeford
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Orono scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Orono
Biddeford
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Orono is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
35% lower than in Biddeford.
Housing costs are a major driver: Orono's average rent is
20% lower than Biddeford's.
| Metric | Orono | Biddeford | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $2,199 | -20% |
| Groceries | $400 | $426 | -6% |
| Utilities | $180 | $428 | -58% |
| Transport | $120 | $789 | -85% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $252 | -9% |
| Monthly Total | $2,680 | $4,094 | -35% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 122 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Biddeford offers 9% lower 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 Orono is estimated at
$52,000 vs $87,960 in Biddeford.
| Metric | Orono | Biddeford |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,528 | $67,565 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $87,960 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,766 idx | 55,381 idx |
| Household Income | $59,784 | $72,333 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Orono runs warmer on average — a 45.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Orono comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Orono sees 44.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Orono | Biddeford |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 45.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 10.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 39.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 44.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 71.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Orono has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Biddeford.
Orono scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Orono leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Orono | Biddeford |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Biddeford is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Orono.
From a growth perspective, Orono is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Biddeford has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Orono | Biddeford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,250 | 22,932 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | — |
| Median Age | 21.7 | 35.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Biddeford
Advantages
Vibrant downtown with revitalized historic mill buildings and cultural attractions.
Lower unemployment rate (3% in May 2026) compared to the national average.
Strong presence of top industries like Education and Health Care and Social Services providing job opportunities.
Relatively young median age (35.0 years) contributing to a dynamic community.
Access to a full-service hospital, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, within the city.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average (22% higher in 2026).
Highest violent crime rate in Maine (313.8 per 100K in 2024) and overall crime rate 26% higher than national average.
Housing costs are notably high, with average apartment rent at $2,199/month in July 2026.
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options.
Long-term care costs, such as assisted living and nursing homes, are considerably higher than national averages.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Biddeford
#536Maine, USA
49.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,199
Avg Salary
$67,565
Cost Index
122
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
68
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