Cost of living in Penobscot County, ME
Population 153,571 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Penobscot County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Income and earnings in Penobscot County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Penobscot County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Penobscot County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Penobscot County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Penobscot County
State and local tax rates for Maine.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Penobscot County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Penobscot County
What it costs to live in Penobscot County each month.
- Rent $857
- Energy $206
- Water $55
- Groceries $348
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $464
- State tax $196
- Rent $1,098
- Energy $247
- Water $65
- Groceries $577
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $705
- State tax $336
- Rent $1,249
- Energy $309
- Water $75
- Groceries $875
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $705
- State tax $336
Frequently asked questions about Penobscot County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Penobscot County?
In Penobscot County, ME, a one-bedroom apartment averages $857 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,098 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,249 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Penobscot County?
In Penobscot County, ME, the average household income is $63,248 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $38,453 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Penobscot County?
The estimated cost of living in Penobscot County, ME is approximately $2,926 per month for a single person, $4,312 for a couple, $6,619 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Penobscot County?
The combined sales tax rate in Penobscot County, ME is 5.50%, which includes the Maine state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Penobscot County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Penobscot County, ME would need approximately $2,926 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $63,248 per year ($5,271 per month). Penobscot County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Penobscot County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Penobscot County, ME is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Penobscot County?
The average home value in Penobscot County, ME is $193,800, with average annual property taxes of $2,435, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Penobscot County compare to other areas?
You can compare Penobscot County, ME with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Penobscot County is in the Bangor, ME metro area.
Other counties in Maine
Browse the full list of counties in Maine, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP