Cost of Living in Maine
Overall index: 114 — ranked #10 of 51 (above average cost).
Where your money goes in Maine
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Maine
Estimated annual spending: $76,676($1,676 over budget)
What things cost in Maine
| Item | Maine | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $380,000 | $360,000 | +$20,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,900/mo | $1,400/mo | +$500 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.47/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.03 |
| Electric bill | $174/mo | $137/mo | +$37 |
| Infant childcare | $13,310/yr | $13,500/yr | $190 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.00 | $4.95 | +$0.05 |
| Monthly groceries | $414/mo | $410/mo | +$4 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Maine vs national average
What a salary in Maine is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $57,000 | +$7,000 |
| $75,000 | $85,500 | +$10,500 |
| $100,000 | $114,000 | +$14,000 |
| $125,000 | $142,500 | +$17,500 |
| $150,000 | $171,000 | +$21,000 |
| $200,000 | $228,000 | +$28,000 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Maine to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Maine with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Maine?
Maine has an overall cost-of-living index of 114, making it above average cost (ranked #10 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $380,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,900/month.
Is Maine expensive to live in?
Yes, Maine is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 114 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 135.7% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Maine?
The median home price in Maine is $380,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,900/month. Maine's housing index is 135.7 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 35.69999999999999% above the national average.
How much are groceries in Maine?
Maine's grocery index is 101 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.00 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $414, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Maine?
The average monthly electric bill in Maine is $174 based on the state's residential rate of 19.66¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Maine?
Center-based infant childcare in Maine averages $13,310/year ($1,109/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Maine?
A $75,000 salary in Maine has the same purchasing power as $65,789 at the national average cost of living. Because Maine is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this 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 Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Maine taxes
- House Affordability in Maine — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Maine take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.