Cost of Living in Maine
Maine has 4 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Median rent is lowest in Lewiston at $954/mo and highest in South Portland at $1,648/mo.
Maine at a Glance
Cities Tracked
4
with census data
Avg Cost Index
103.6
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,277
per month
Avg Household Income
$68,848
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | 103.6 | $1,487 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | 103.6 | $1,487 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Maine
State Income Tax
7.15%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
5.50%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Maine
Maine Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Portland | 68,505 | 103.6 | $1,487 | $452,600 | $76,174 |
| Lewiston | 37,886 | — | $954 | $214,200 | $56,558 |
| Bangor | 31,663 | — | $1,019 | $206,300 | $58,096 |
| South Portland | 26,780 | — | $1,648 | $405,800 | $84,563 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Maine cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Maine cities stack up across the US. For example, Portland vs Lewiston.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Maine
What is the cost of living in Maine?
The average cost of living index across cities in Maine is approximately 103.6 (US average = 100), which is slightly above the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,277/month and median household income averages around $68,848/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Maine?
The most affordable cities in Maine by cost of living index are: 1. Portland (index 103.6).
What is the median rent in Maine?
The average median gross rent across cities in Maine is approximately $1,277/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Maine?
Maine's top marginal state income tax rate is 7.15%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Maine?
Maine's statewide sales tax rate is 5.50%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Maine?
Maine has a cost of living index of approximately 103.6 and average median rent around $1,277/month. It is somewhat above the US average in cost, so factor that into your relocation budget. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology