Cost of Living in Maine [2025]
Maine is the northeasternmost state of the United States and is commonly referred to as the Pine Tree State for its extensive pine forests covering a vast portion of the state. In addition to its pine trees, Maine is also known for its lobsters and wild blueberries, covering over 40,000 acres.
For the northeastern United States, Maine has considerably affordable housing options and a relatively low cost of living, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make the most of living out east. Even better, U.S. News ranks Maine as #1 on its Public Safety Rankings, giving it a lower crime rate overall.
If you’re considering moving to Maine, you’ve come to the right place. First, you’ll want to check out this apartment guide. Next, do some research to determine Maine’s cost of living prices. Thankfully, here at Apartment List, you can take a closer look at the cost of living in Maine and gain a better understanding of what type of budget you’ll need.
Cost of Living in Maine
What Is the Cost of Living in Maine?
The cost of living in Maine fell over the last year and is currently 3% lower than the national average, making it the tenth most expensive state in the country. Most of your expenses in Maine are below the national average, except a relatively small spike in groceries, housing, and utilities. The cost of living is largely dependent on where you live in Maine.
Where Is Cost of Living Highest in Maine?
Currently, the most expensive city in Maine is Portland. The cost of living is 12.5% higher than the national average and 16% higher than the state average. There are nearby suburbs and cities that will prove cheaper for renters on a budget.
Where Is Cost of Living Lowest in Maine?
One of the cheapest ciites in Maine for renters is Augusta, with a cost of living that's 11.4% lower than the U.S. average and 8.7% lower than the state average. As a general rule, the farther away from the coast you go in Maine, the cheaper the cost of living.
How Much Is Rent in Maine?
Maine has a small rental market, which limits how much up-to-date information we can gather about rental prices. Apartment rents start at $1,350 in Portland, though you can find both affordable and luxury apartments in the state. In Augusta, Maine, rents start at $1,000 a month. If you live in Bangor, rents start at $1,150 a month.
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Maine?
When you have available rent data, you can determine your recommended salary by utilizing the 30% rule. The 30% rule says you should not be spending more than one-third of your gross income on rent. So, to determine how much money you will need to make, you can assume you’re planning to rent in Portland, where the starting rent for a one-bedroom is $1,350. According to the 30% rule, your monthly wages should be at least three times this amount, equalling $4,500 per month, around $25.96 per hour, or $54,000 annually.
You should also consider the basic living wage in Maine. According to MIT's living wage data, you need to earn a minimum of $22.04 an hour to cover basic expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. This figure doesn't account for student loan repayments, debts, travel, or savings for an emergency fund.
There's good news for renters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Maine is currently $68,251, or about $32.81 per hour. Although that's lower than the national median household income of $75,149, it's still well within the living wage data and 30% rule on the starting rents for Maine.
Maine's job market has also grown stronger with unemployment at or below 3%. Healthcare, and manufacturing are among the highest paid industries in Maine. The state also employes locals in forestry related jobs, life sciences, agriculture, outdoor recreation, fishing, and other industries that involve the state's natural resources.
How Much Is Transportation in Maine?
According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, average annual transportation costs are about $10,378 for a single individual living in Maine. Larger families, such as families with two working parents and two children, can expect to pay around $17,408 in transportation costs annually.
Having a vehicle in Maine is the best way to get around, considering the limited public transportation available across the state. Luckily, the state does an excellent job of keeping highways in good condition year-round, despite temperamental bouts of weather.
Portland is a more walkable city, only covering a 3.5-mile by 1.5-mile footprint. You can easily get around via train or bus within the compact downtown area. Greater Portland METRO provides public transportation via trains, planes, ferries, and regional buses throughout the Greater Portland area.
Most one-way fares cost $2.50, round-trip fares cost $5, and monthly passes cost $85. You can even go online to purchase tickets from the convenience of your computer or mobile device. You can purchase fares for all three transit systems with cash or through the DiriGo TouchPass system.
How Much Is Food in Maine?
The average single Maine resident spends around $4,642 annually on food costs and can expect to pay roughly $386.83 per month. For a family of four, with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $13,644 annually, approximately $1,137 per month.
Compared to the rest of the country, these food costs are relatively reasonable. However, it’s important to remember that these figures are associated with food picked up at the local Hannaford, Shaws, or Food City and prepared at home. Those who aren't comfortable in the kitchen will likely need to add a considerable amount to properly budget for additional dining out costs.
Maine is known for its incredible seafood (most notably the Maine lobster), so you’ll want to get out and enjoy some from time to time. Erica’s Seafood in Harpswell, Wharf Gallery & Grill in Corea, or Thurston’s Lobster Pound boasts some of Maine's best lobster.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost for a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant, with three courses, by city:
- Portland: $85
- Lewiston: $90
- Bangor: $60
How Much Are Healthcare Costs in Maine?
Healthcare is a substantial aspect of your cost of living when moving to Maine. A single adult without children will pay around $3,352 for medical care in a single year. A family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $9,655.
Check the federal healthcare marketplace to see what coverage is available in your new location. You’ll also want to report your move to qualify for out-of-state coverage, as relocating outside of an enrollment period can cause complications.
Even when moving to a new state, you can maintain your standing if you are under 26 on your parent’s insurance plan. Check with your current provider to see if your new Maine hometown has doctors that fall within the network.
How Much Are Utilities in Maine?
In Maine, utilities typically fall below the national average of $243.35 monthly, which is lower than the U.S. average of $253.14. The average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment, is shown for Portland and Maine as a whole:
| Location | Electricity Cost | Gas Cost | Water Cost | Fuel Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 117.40 | 46.05 | 19.36 | 60.54 | 243.35 |
| Portland, ME | 146.13 | 39.86 | 46.69 | 0.59 | 233.28 |
These costs only cover basic utilities, and do not cover additional items such as Internet. The average monthly costs of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities are roughly:
- Portland: $71.43
- Lewiston: $92.50
- Bangor: $70.36
Consider your cell phone bill too, with a national average monthly payment of $127.27. Bundling your cell phone with your internet provider may help with additional discounting in some areas. Sometimes you can ask about additional discounts for new customers.
Average utility bills in Maine can vary, depending on your city and climate. Because Maine is in the northeastern most portion of the United States, you can anticipate cold winters with an average annual snowfall of 50 to 70 inches along the coast and 60 to 110 inches inland.
Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!
Maine Fitness and Entertainment
Maine has fitness and entertainment opportunities for everyone. Enjoy running, hiking trails, and fitness classes throughout the state. There is a wide range of national and state parks available, which help encourage residents to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful state. Just don’t forget to account for some of your fitness and entertainment expenses in your budget.
Because of the snowfall in the cold winters, maintaining your fitness year-round will require a gym membership. Thankfully, the average cost of a fitness club in major cities throughout Maine is relatively low:
- Portland: $44.80
- Lewiston: $22
- Bangor: $15
In warmer months, you can save on some of your gym membership fees by taking up other outdoor activities like checking out Bar Harbor, Monhegan Island, or the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Maine National and State Parks
Maine is home to four national state parks. Entrance fees vary, but you can also purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass annual pass for $80, which allows access to:
- Acadia National Park
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
- Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Aside from national parks, Maine has 32 state parks with daily rates ranging from $3 to $7 per adult Maine resident. Some of the most popular state parks include:
- Camden Hills State Park in Camden
- Reid State Park in Georgetown
- Baxter State Park in Piscataquis County
- Rangeley Lake State Park in Rangeley
- Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth
Otherwise, take to popular indoor activities around the state such as the Farnsworth Art Museum, Allagash Brewery, or the Portland Museum of Art.
Other Expenses to Consider in Maine
One major downside to this east coast state is its progressive income tax rate, one of the highest in the country. Maine’s income taxes are currently at the rate of 7.15%. Thankfully, the state has one of the country’s lowest sales tax rates at 5.5%, with no additional local sales tax.
Moving from out of state might come with additional expenses, requiring additional budgeting for movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Moves can require apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other additions that stack up.
Another overlooked moving expense is furnishing your new home. Decorating can be fun, though it can be costly unless you are careful to decorate your apartment on a budget.
Looking for an Apartment in Maine?
Maine offers incredible food, breathtaking coastal views, and fairy-tale winters, perfect for renters looking for anything from quiet cabins to high-rise city apartments. So, if the east coast is calling you and you just can’t ignore the low cost of living it has to offer, Maine might be the place for you.
Register with Apartment List today and start browsing available apartments in Maine!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Maine
How expensive is an apartment in Maine?
Depending on the city you choose, the rents for Maine apartments vary. The starting rent for a one bedroom apartment in Portland, ME is $1,372 and $1,622 for a two bedroom apartment. A one bedroom apartment in South Portland, ME is $1,372 and a two bedroom apartment is $1,815. A one bedroom apartment in Bangor, ME starts at $850 and a two bedroom at $1,000. A one bedroom apartment in Auburn, ME starts at $950 and a two bedroom at $1,200. A one bedroom apartment starts at $650 in Lewiston, ME and a two bedroom apartment starts at $1,200.
What is the cheapest rent in Maine?
Lewiston is among the cheapest cities in Maine. A one-bedroom apartment in Lewiston costs $650. A two-bedroom apartment in Lewiston is $1,200.
How expensive is it to live in Maine?
The starting rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Portland costs $1,600. A single adult in Maine will spend $4,559 a year on food and a family of four will pay $13,429. Adults will spend $4,470 on transportation and a family of four will spend $11,821.
How far is Maine from New York?
Maine is 447.6 miles to New York via I-95 S. Driving between Maine and New York takes 7 hours and 24 minutes.
What is the population of Maine?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Maine was 1,377,238 in 2021.
What is a good salary in Maine?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average household income in Maine is $63,182. However, we recommend spending no more than 30% of your income on rent. If a one-bedroom apartment in a city like Portland costs $1,600, you should earn at least $64,000 per year or $5,333.33 per month.
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