Maine cost of living
Real estate experts often say that “location, location, location” matters most. That’s more than just an empty maxim when looking for the right place to live. You definitely want to find somewhere that fits your family’s needs and lifestyle.
One of the most important things to consider when looking for the right location to live is how much it will cost you to live there. We’ve done the work figuring out cost of living so you can focus on other things that are important to your move.
The median rent in Maine is $1,650, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Maine spend $249.91 weekly on food at home and $80.67 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.44 in Maine.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Maine pay $1,703 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Maine
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Maine is $1,650, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Maine broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Maine had a median cost of $829 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,113 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,342 and $1,441, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Maine is $389,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Maine ranks No. 16 for highest effective property tax rate in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.24%.
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Food costs in Maine
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Maine is $249.91, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Maine residents spend an average of $80.67 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Maine
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Maine is $3.44, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Maine is $794.93, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Maine’s public transportation services include regional bus routes as well as ferries that connect the state’s island communities to the mainland. In Portland, the biggest city in Maine, riding a local route on a Greater Portland Metro bus costs $2. Ferry trip prices have peak and off-peak season rates.
Health care costs in Maine
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Maine employees $1,703 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,290 of the $7,993 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Maine
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Maine is $130.78, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Maine costs $16.33 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Is Maine safe?
Maine came in at No. 3 in our 2023 ranking of the safest states in the nation, with the lowest violent crime rate per capita.
How cold are winters in Maine?
Maine's winters are very cold, with average temperatures from below 15 degrees to 22 degrees. During winter, snowfall averages 50 to 70 inches on the coast and 60 to 110 inches insland, according to the Maine Office of Tourism.
What are Maine’s top industries?
Key industries in the state of Maine include forest products, life sciences (e.g., pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment manufacturing), agriculture and marine-related industries.
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:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
