Maine vs Missouri Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,789
in Maine
$84,364
in Missouri
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Maine | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 135.7 | 77.5 | +75% |
| Groceries | 101.0 | 95.9 | +5% |
| Utilities | 118.9 | 92.0 | +29% |
| Transportation | 103.6 | 87.2 | +19% |
| Healthcare | 115.3 | 100.3 | +15% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.0 | 93.7 | +9% |
| Overall | 114.0 | 88.9 | +28% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maine.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maine | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $380,000 | $235,000 | +$145,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,900/mo | $1,085/mo | +$815 |
| Gas price | $3.47/gal | $3.03/gal | +$0.44 |
| Electric bill | $174/mo | $98/mo | +$76 |
| Infant childcare | $13,310/yr | $13,173/yr | +$137 |
Salary equivalent: Maine → Missouri
What a Maine salary buys you in Missouri, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maine | Equivalent in Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $38,991 | +$11,009 |
| $75,000 | $58,487 | +$16,513 |
| $100,000 | $77,982 | +$22,018 |
| $150,000 | $116,974 | +$33,026 |
| $200,000 | $155,965 | +$44,035 |
Positive = your money goes further in Missouri. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Maine is 28% more expensive than Missouri overall. Maine has an index of 114 vs 88.9 for Missouri (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Missouri?
Missouri is cheaper to live in. Maine is 28% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $235,000 in Missouri.
Is Missouri cheaper than Maine?
Yes, Missouri is 28% cheaper than Maine overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Maine more expensive than Missouri?
Yes, Maine is 28% more expensive than Missouri based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Missouri equals $100,000 in Maine?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maine, you would need approximately $77,982 in Missouri. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (114 vs 88.9).
How do housing costs compare between Maine and Missouri?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Missouri. Median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $235,000 in Missouri — a $145,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,900/mo vs $1,085/mo.
What costs more in Maine vs Missouri?
Housing is 75% higher in Maine (index 135.7 vs 77.5). Utilities is 29% higher in Maine (index 118.9 vs 92). Transportation is 19% higher in Maine (index 103.6 vs 87.2).
Is gas cheaper in Maine or Missouri?
Gas averages $3.47/gallon in Maine and $3.03/gallon in Missouri — a $0.44 difference per gallon.
Maine vs Missouri cost of living — how do they compare?
Maine has an overall cost-of-living index of 114 and Missouri has 88.9 (national average = 100). Maine is 28% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maine and Missouri?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Maine uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets, topping out at 7.15% on income over $58,050. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 4.80% on income above $8,968. Use the Maine vs Missouri paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Maine and Missouri?
Maine requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Missouri requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Maine Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Missouri Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maine vs Missouri Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maine — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Missouri — How much house can you afford?
- Maine Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Missouri Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Maine Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Missouri Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Maine Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Missouri Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.