Cost of Living in Maine (ME)
Compare costs across 2 Maine cities. From home services to salaries, see how ME stacks up against the national average.
2
Cities
106
Avg Cost Index
$50K
Avg Income
Direct Answer
Maine's average cost index is 106, which is above the national baseline of 100. Augusta is the most affordable tracked city in ME at index 96, while Portland is the most expensive at index 115.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive tracked cities is 19 index points, so state-level averages should be used as a map, not a final budget.
State cost overviewBLS, Census, HUD inputsLast verified May 2026
Maine Highlights: Most affordable city: Augusta (index 96). Most expensive: Portland (index 115). The gap between cheapest and most expensive is 19 index points.
What Drives the Statewide Cost Picture?
Average index
106/100
Maine is above the national cost baseline across tracked cities.
Cheapest city
Augusta
Augusta has a cost index of 96.
Most expensive
Portland
Portland has a cost index of 115.
Income average
$50K
Average median household income across 2 tracked ME cities.
Cheapest and Most Expensive Cities in Maine
Maine State Taxes (2026)
Headline tax rates that affect your real take-home pay and total cost of living in Maine.
State Income Tax
5.8-7.15%
progressive system
Combined Sales Tax
5.5%
5.5% state + 0% avg local
Property Tax (Effective)
1.24%
~$3,720/yr on a $300K home
Income tax: Maine uses a progressive income tax at 5.8-7.15%. Estate tax applies at the state level. Estimate your take-home pay
State Planning Checklist
- Start with Augusta if the priority is lowest recurring cost inside Maine.
- Compare Portland against salary and tax advantages before assuming the higher-cost city is worse.
- Use city pages for rent, salary, insurance, and local service costs before making a relocation decision.