Cost of Living in Maine

Avg Index: 87

13 cities · Updated March 2026

$1,182
Avg Rent / Month
$67,217
Avg Income
$289,800
Avg Home Value
87
Avg Cost Index
7.15%
Income Tax
5.5%
Sales Tax
Cheapest in Maine
Augusta
Index: 63 · Rent: $887/mo
Most Expensive in Maine
South Portland
Index: 121 · Rent: $1,648/mo

Maine Cost of Living Overview

Maine is significantly more affordable than the national average, with a state-wide cost index of 87. The average monthly rent across Maine cities is $1,182, with median household incomes averaging $67,217 per year. The cheapest city is Augusta (index 63) and the most expensive is South Portland (index 121).

Maine has a moderate tax environment with a 7.15% top income tax rate, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.3% effective property tax rate.

All 13 Cities in Maine — Ranked by Cost

Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (US average = 100)

#CityCost Index RentIncomeHome ValuePopulation
1 Augusta 63 $887/mo $48,756 $188,900 18,999
2 Waterville 63 $957/mo $47,489 $173,700 16,704
3 Lewiston 69 $954/mo $56,558 $214,200 37,886
4 Bangor 70 $1,019/mo $58,096 $206,300 31,663
5 Auburn 76 $983/mo $66,552 $254,600 24,294
6 Orono 77 $1,150/mo $56,890 $219,200 10,699
7 Sanford 84 $1,158/mo $70,570 $257,200 22,095
8 Biddeford 96 $1,187/mo $69,794 $349,300 22,463
9 Brunswick 97 $1,300/mo $68,190 $333,500 16,928
10 Saco 103 $1,268/mo $84,328 $370,300 20,636
11 Westbrook 103 $1,373/mo $85,868 $341,800 20,484
12 Portland 120 $1,487/mo $76,174 $452,600 68,505
13 South Portland 121 $1,648/mo $84,563 $405,800 26,780

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cost of living in Maine

What is the cost of living in Maine?
The average cost of living index across 13 cities in Maine is 87 (US average = 100). Average rent is $1,182/month and median household income averages $67,217/year.
What is the cheapest city in Maine?
The cheapest city in Maine is Augusta with a cost index of 63, median rent of $887/month, and median income of $48,756/year.
What is the most expensive city in Maine?
The most expensive city in Maine is South Portland with a cost index of 121, median rent of $1,648/month, and median income of $84,563/year.
What are taxes like in Maine?
Maine has a top income tax rate of 7.15%, a sales tax of 5.5%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.3%.
How many cities does CostToLive cover in Maine?
We track cost of living data for 13 cities in Maine with populations of 10,000 or more, using US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data.