Maine Cost of Living
Can you afford to live in the Pine Tree State?
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Relocating to Maine means embracing rugged beauty, a slower pace and close-knit communities. It also requires adjusting to new costs of daily life. Understanding what you’ll spend is key to planning with confidence.
To determine the cost of living in Maine, our team reviewed data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to understand average spending. We also used recent sources to gather housing, food, transportation, health care and utility costs for a full picture of everyday expenses.
People in Maine spend $60,250 each year on goods and services, on average.
Jump to insightThe median rent in Maine is $1,711, versus the national median rent of $1,639.
Jump to insightResidents in Maine spend $249.91 weekly on food at home.
Jump to insightAs of August 2025, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.10 in Maine.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Maine pay $1,565 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightThe average cost of living in Maine
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average annual per-person spending in Maine was $60,250 in 2023. This amount represents what the typical Maine resident spends each year on key categories like housing, health care, groceries, transportation and additional goods or services.
Here’s a breakdown of the largest spending categories in Maine:
| Category | Annual per-capita cost in Maine |
|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | $10,826 |
| Health care | $10,062 |
| Food and beverages for off-premises consumption | $5,279 |
| Gasoline and other energy goods | $1,991 |
| All other personal consumption expenditures | $32,092 |
| Total cost | $60,250 |
Housing costs in Maine
Housing costs are often the largest expense for individuals and families in Maine. Based on 2025 figures from Apartments.com, the median rent in Maine is $1,711, which is slightly more than the national average of $1,639. Your actual rent will depend on the size and location of your home. The U.S. Census Bureau reports these average monthly rents in Maine:
- One-bedroom rent: $969
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,271
- Three-bedroom rent: $1,424
- Four-bedroom rent: $1,640
For those considering homeownership, Maine’s median home price is $419,800, which is slightly less than the U.S. median of $446,638.
Property taxes are another key expense to factor in. Maine’s effective property tax rate is ranked No. 20 for highest effective rate in the U.S., at 0.94%.
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Food costs in Maine
Your food spending in Maine will vary based on where you live and your personal habits. Recent U.S. Census data shows the average weekly grocery bill in Maine is $249.91, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21.
Grocery costs can shift depending on how much you rely on local markets, shop at big-box stores or seek out specialty foods.
Dining out, especially in cities like Portland or tourist destinations along the coast, can raise your food expenses, while residents in smaller towns or rural areas may find grocery shopping more affordable. Families who plan meals and shop sales may see some savings, while frequent restaurant visits will increase costs.
Transportation costs in Maine
Drivers in Maine pay on average of $3.10 per gallon for regular gas as of publishing, compared with the national average of $3.13.
The typical auto insurance premium in Maine is $834.78, which you can compare with the U.S. average of $1,258 when planning your expenses.
Health care costs in Maine
Health care spending in Maine is higher than in many other states. The average annual employee contribution for employer-sponsored health insurance is $1,565, with employers covering the balance of $7,328 out of a total annual premium of $8,892.
For comparison, employees across the U.S. pay an average of $1,640 toward a total premium of $8,182.
Utility costs in Maine
Monthly utility bills in Maine can be a significant expense. The average electric bill is $153.56, compared with a national average of $136.84.
If your home uses natural gas, you will pay an average of $5.08 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $12.92 nationally.
FAQ
Does Maine have a high cost of living?
Yes, Maine has a higher cost of living than the national average. Median home prices are slightly higher, and renters will find that monthly rent is slightly more than in other parts of the country.
Is Maine a good place to live?
Yes, Maine is a good place to live if you value a strong sense of community and natural surroundings. Many people are choosing to move to Maine, drawn by its outdoor recreation, small-town charm and slower pace of life.
While the cost of living is higher than in some states, the appeal of Maine’s lifestyle and the growing number of newcomers make it a desirable place for many families and individuals.
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Is Maine good for renters?
Yes, Maine is good for renters. The state offers a high quality of life for renters and stronger tenant protections than many other states. However, affordability is average and rental availability is limited, so competition for units can be challenging.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Apartments.com, “Rent Trends.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Redfin, “Redfin Data Center.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- Tax Foundation, “Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- United States Census Bureau, “Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- AAA Gas Prices, “State Gas Price Averages.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “2021/2022 Auto Insurance Database Report.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- KFF, “Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, “2023 Average Monthly Bill- Residential.” Accessed Aug. 20, 2025.
