Maine's cost of living index is 112 — 12.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
112
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+12.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$59,489
Maine median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$53,115
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 112 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +12.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $59,489 | Maine median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $53,115 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 1,362,359 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 112, Maine is 12% above the national average. Higher costs in Maine mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $59,489 in Maine provides the equivalent purchasing power of $53,115 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Maine's median home price of $370,000 is near the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (7.15% top rate in Maine), sales tax (5.50% state rate), and local property tax rates (1.36%).
