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Cost of living in Maine

Everyday prices in Maine run 3.0% below the US average, the 26th lowest of 51 states and DC.

By Sol Lakein. Updated November 2026.

Maine next to New York and the US

Longer bar = costs more.1,4,2,3
MaineUnited StatesNew York metro

How affordable is Maine?

Rent and home prices next to what households earn.6
$95,150
Typical household incomeA year · 18th highest of 51
18%
Of income goes to rentA year of 2-bed rent ($1,433/mo) against median income ($95,150). 16th lowest of 51.
4.7
Years of income to buy a home$450,000 median listing against $95,150 income. 24th lowest of 50.

Are people moving to Maine?

7,406 more people moved to Maine from other states than left between July 2024 and July 2025 (Census Bureau estimates).

Where Americans are moving5

Maine next to its neighbors

The states that border Maine, on the same measures. The number is each state's national rank on everyday prices.1,4,2
  1. 26MaineThis state3% cheaper than average
    2-bed rent
    $1,433
    Typical home
    $450,000
    Net moves
    +7,406
  2. 43New Hampshire4% pricier than average
    2-bed rent
    $1,867
    Typical home
    $590,000
    Net moves
    +6,554

Maine by the numbers

Every figure on this page, as tables

Maine next to New York and the US

PlacePrice levelHousingTypical homeMonthly payment2-bedroom rent
Maine97.078.9$450,000$2,473$1,433
United States100.0100.0$419,250$2,304$1,563
New York metro112.6148.6$742,000$4,078$1,997

Maine next to its neighbors

StatePrice level2-bedroom rentTypical homeNet moves from other states
Maine97.0$1,433$450,000+7,406
New Hampshire104.2$1,867$590,000+6,554

Net moves from other states

Year (July to July)Net moves from other states
2019-20+6,114
2020-21+18,101
2021-22+14,422
2022-23+9,859
2023-24+5,189
2024-25+7,406

States with a similar cost of living to Maine

Keep comparing

Maine cost of living: questions people ask

What is the cost of living in Maine?

Everyday prices in Maine run 3.0% below the US average, the 26th lowest of 51 states and DC (BEA, 2024). Housing costs, rent included, index at 78.9 against a US average of 100. The median listed home is $450,000 (Realtor.com, September 2026), about $2,473 a month in principal and interest. The median 2-bedroom rent is $1,433 a month, utilities included (Census, 2025). A $150,000 salary in New York buys the same as $129,328 in Maine.

Is Maine cheap or expensive to live in?

Cheaper than average. Maine's regional price parity is 97.0, so the same basket of goods, services and rent costs 3.0% less than the US average (BEA, 2024).

How much does a house cost in Maine?

The median listed home in Maine is $450,000 as of September 2026 (Realtor.com via FRED), against $419,250 nationally. That ranks 30th lowest of 50. With 20% down at 7.32%, principal and interest run about $2,473 a month.

How much is rent in Maine?

The median gross rent for a 2-bedroom in Maine is $1,433 a month, including utilities the renter pays, against $1,563 for the US (Census American Community Survey, 2025).

What salary in Maine equals $150,000 in New York?

About $129,328, using BEA regional price parities for Maine (97.0) and the New York metro (112.6), 2024.

Are people moving to Maine?

7,406 more people moved to Maine from other states than left between July 2024 and July 2025 (Census Bureau estimates).

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Notes on the numbers
  1. 1Everyday prices, housing costs and price levels: BEA regional price parities via FRED, 2024, where the US average is 100. In ranked lists, 1 is the cheapest.
  2. 2Homes: the typical home is the median listing price, Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026.
  3. 3Mortgage: Principal and interest on the median listed home with 20% down, 30-year fixed at 7.32% (Freddie Mac 30-year fixed average, week of October 22, 2026). Excludes taxes, insurance and HOA.
  4. 4Rent: Census ACS 2025 1-year, median gross rent for 2-bedroom units, including utilities.
  5. 5Net moves: US Census Bureau population estimates, net domestic migration, July to July.
  6. 6Affordability: our arithmetic on Census median gross rent (2025), Census median household income (2025) and Realtor.com median listing price (September 2026). Rank 1 is the most affordable.
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