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Northeast · New England

Cost of living in Maine

Rent, taxes, earnings and more across all 16 Maine counties.

Avg. 1-bed rent
$778/mo
Avg. household income
$66,872/yr
Avg. home value
$236,581
Avg. monthly cost
$2,869/mo
Cheapest county
Washington County
$2,395/mo for a single person
Most expensive county
Cumberland County
$3,522/mo for a single person

Last updated May 21, 2026

Taxes in Maine

State income, sales and local tax rates.

State income tax
7.15%
Top marginal rate

Maine has a graduated state income tax ranging from 5.8% to 7.15%.

State sales tax
5.50%
Combined sales tax
5.50%
incl. average local of 0.00%

Use our salary calculator to see your take-home pay in Maine

Tax information is for general reference. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

Rent in Maine

The average one-bedroom rent across Maine is $778/mo. Rent varies from $420/mo in Washington County to $1,279/mo in Cumberland County.

Cheapest rent

Most expensive rent

Cheapest places to live in Maine

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Rankings include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare and taxes. See our methodology.

Most expensive places to live in Maine

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Highest earning counties in Maine

Top 10 by average household income.

All 16 counties in Maine

Sorted by population. Type to filter.

Compare any two areas in Maine

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

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Frequently asked questions about Maine

Common questions about cost of living, taxes and rent.

What is the cost of living in Maine?

The average cost of living in Maine is approximately $2,869 per month for a single person. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare and taxes. Costs range from $2,395/mo in Washington County to $3,522/mo in Cumberland County.

What is the average rent in Maine?

The average one-bedroom rent in Maine is $778 per month, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across all 16 counties.

What is the average salary in Maine?

The average household income in Maine is $66,872 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Does Maine have state income tax?

Yes, Maine has a graduated income tax ranging from 5.8% to 7.15%.

What is the sales tax in Maine?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Maine averages 5.50%. The state rate is 5.50% with an average local addition of 0.00%.

What are the cheapest places to live in Maine?

The cheapest counties to live in Maine based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Washington County ($2,395/mo), 2. Franklin County ($2,562/mo), 3. Aroostook County ($2,629/mo), 4. Oxford County ($2,665/mo), 5. Piscataquis County ($2,713/mo).

What are the most expensive places to live in Maine?

The most expensive counties to live in Maine based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Cumberland County ($3,522/mo), 2. York County ($3,247/mo), 3. Sagadahoc County ($3,092/mo), 4. Lincoln County ($2,940/mo), 5. Penobscot County ($2,926/mo).

Use this research

Journalists, researchers and bloggers are welcome to cite and share this analysis. Please include a follow link back to this page when referencing our data. For bespoke analysis, expert comment, or high-resolution graphics, get in touch via our press office.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources.

  • U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates)
  • HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Tax Foundation state and local rates
Methodology All data sources