Maine vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,789
in Maine
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 135.7 | 118.3 | +15% |
| Groceries | 101.0 | 108.0 | -6% |
| Utilities | 118.9 | 98.8 | +20% |
| Transportation | 103.6 | 124.0 | -16% |
| Healthcare | 115.3 | 110.2 | +5% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.0 | 111.2 | -8% |
| Overall | 114.0 | 112.9 | +1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maine.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maine | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $380,000 | $580,000 | $200,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,900/mo | $1,656/mo | +$244 |
| Gas price | $3.47/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.22 |
| Electric bill | $174/mo | $90/mo | +$84 |
| Infant childcare | $13,310/yr | $20,677/yr | $7,367 |
Salary equivalent: Maine → Washington
What a Maine salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maine | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,518 | +$482 |
| $75,000 | $74,276 | +$724 |
| $100,000 | $99,035 | +$965 |
| $150,000 | $148,553 | +$1,447 |
| $200,000 | $198,070 | +$1,930 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. 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 and Washington have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 114 and 112.9 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Washington?
Maine and Washington have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Washington cheaper than Maine?
Maine and Washington cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Maine more expensive than Washington?
Maine and Washington have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Maine?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maine, you would need approximately $99,035 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (114 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Maine and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Maine. Median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $580,000 in Washington — a $200,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,900/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Maine vs Washington?
Transportation is 16% lower in Maine (index 103.6 vs 124). Utilities is 20% higher in Maine (index 118.9 vs 98.8). Housing is 15% higher in Maine (index 135.7 vs 118.3).
Is gas cheaper in Maine or Washington?
Gas averages $3.47/gallon in Maine and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.22 difference per gallon.
Maine vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Maine has an overall cost-of-living index of 114 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maine and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Maine vs Washington paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maine vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maine — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- 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.