What Is the Average Cost of Living in Maine?

The average cost of living in Maine provides valuable insight for individuals and families considering relocation to the state.

Housing Expenses

Housing represents a significant portion of the cost of living in Maine, with prices varying based on property type and location. For renters, a one-bedroom apartment in Maine averages around $1,711 per month, while a three-bedroom rental can be approximately $2,144 monthly. The median rent statewide is reported to be about $1,650, slightly above the national median.

For those looking to purchase a home, the median sales price in Maine reached approximately $425,000. This figure has seen an upward trend, with an increase of 6.5% over the past year. In January 2025, the median home price was $415,800, indicating continued appreciation.

Property taxes also contribute to housing expenses, with Maine having an average effective property tax rate of about 1.17%. These rates are determined by local municipalities and can vary significantly. Common heating sources like oil, propane, and increasingly, electric heat pumps, also factor into the overall cost of maintaining a home in Maine.

Daily Living Costs

Daily living expenses in Maine encompass utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare. Utility costs, with the average monthly electricity bill for residential customers being around $238. This is based on an average consumption of 1,035 kWh per month, at a rate of 23 cents per kWh, which is higher than the national average rate. Heating costs, heavily influenced by Maine’s climate, vary depending on the fuel type; for instance, the statewide average for heating oil was about $3.33 per gallon, and propane around $3.02 per gallon as of August 2025. Water, sewer, and internet/cable services typically ranging from $50 to $100 for water/sewer and $60 to $80 for internet, though these can fluctuate based on usage and provider.

Food expenditures form another substantial part of the budget, with the average individual in Maine spending approximately $372 per month on groceries. For a family of four, this can average around $1,400 monthly. When dining out, an average daily cost for food can be around $85 per person, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant potentially costing about $98.40.

Transportation costs are also a factor, including gasoline, which has seen projected average prices ranging from $3.33 to $3.67 per gallon for spring and summer 2024. Car insurance in Maine is relatively affordable compared to the national average, with an annual premium around $1,175, or $98 per month. While public transportation exists in some urban centers, most of the state relies on personal vehicles, necessitating additional costs for maintenance and occasional repairs, which can average several hundred dollars annually.

Healthcare expenses contribute to the overall cost of living, though specific figures for insurance premiums and co-pays can vary widely based on individual plans and needs. Generally, a single adult with no children might anticipate annual healthcare expenditures upwards of $3,107. Miscellaneous expenses cover a broad range of personal care items, clothing, and entertainment. These categories are highly dependent on individual lifestyle choices, but budgeting for these flexible expenditures is important. Daily entertainment activities, for instance, might average around $33 per person.

Geographic Variations

The statewide averages for housing and daily living costs in Maine mask significant differences across its diverse regions. Urban centers generally present higher costs compared to suburban and rural areas. For example, Portland, the state’s largest city, has average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $2,280, considerably higher than the statewide average. The median home sale price in Portland also reflects this premium, reaching approximately $615,000.

In contrast, cities like Bangor offer more affordable options, with one-bedroom apartments renting for approximately $1,370 and a median home price of $270,000. Lewiston also provides a more budget-friendly alternative, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,300 and a median home sale price of $325,000. Beyond housing, daily expenses such as transportation can also vary, with gas prices potentially being lower in more rural parts of the state. This emphasizes that while statewide averages provide a baseline, individual financial planning should consider the specific geographic location within Maine.