Cheapest Places to Live in Maine

Maine, with its picturesque coastlines, charming small towns, and rich maritime history, offers a peaceful and affordable living environment. Landmarks such as Acadia National Park, the Portland Head Light, and Baxter State Park highlight its natural beauty. The state's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as fishing, tourism, and manufacturing. Maine's tax structure includes moderate income and property taxes, which contribute to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Maine remains one of the more affordable states in the northeastern region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Maine an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Maine can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Maine include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and community spirit, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Caribou Population: 7,659 11% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $93,100 Med. Rent: $564 Med. Household Inc.: $42,325

With a cost of living index that is 11% cheaper than the state average, Caribou is the cheapest place to live in Maine. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Caribou provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Presque Isle Population: 9,072 8% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $113,900 Med. Rent: $695 Med. Household Inc.: $43,410

The second most affordable city in Maine is Presque Isle and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 8% cheaper than the Maine average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Skowhegan Population: 6,341 7% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $109,300 Med. Rent: $781 Med. Household Inc.: $43,551

Skowhegan lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Maine, with a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Waterville Population: 16,623 6% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $124,200 Med. Rent: $759 Med. Household Inc.: $39,722

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Waterville offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 6% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Old Town Population: 7,453 5% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $134,500 Med. Rent: $782 Med. Household Inc.: $41,406

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Old Town is ideal, with a cost of living that is 5% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Maine average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Augusta Population: 18,662 4% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $145,700 Med. Rent: $729 Med. Household Inc.: $38,842

Augusta comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Maine and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 4% cheaper than Maine. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Gardiner Population: 5,670 3% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $149,800 Med. Rent: $748 Med. Household Inc.: $52,545

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Gardiner is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Lewiston Population: 36,158 3% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $150,100 Med. Rent: $748 Med. Household Inc.: $42,969

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Lewiston fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 3% cheaper than Maine.

Bangor Population: 32,029 2% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $155,200 Med. Rent: $834 Med. Household Inc.: $47,538

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Bangor is one of the most affordable cities in Maine, and has a cost of living that is 2% cheaper than the state average.

Rockland Population: 7,172 1% cheaper than Maine average

Med. Home Value: $169,300 Med. Rent: $761 Med. Household Inc.: $46,895

With a cost of living that is 1% cheaper than Maine, Rockland comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Maine. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Maine

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Caribou	7,659	91	$93,100	$42,325
2	Presque Isle	9,072	95	$113,900	$43,410
3	Skowhegan	6,341	95	$109,300	$43,551
4	Waterville	16,623	96	$124,200	$39,722
5	Old Town	7,453	98	$134,500	$41,406
6	Augusta	18,662	98	$145,700	$38,842
7	Gardiner	5,670	99	$149,800	$52,545
8	Lewiston	36,158	99	$150,100	$42,969
9	Bangor	32,029	101	$155,200	$47,538
10	Rockland	7,172	101	$169,300	$46,895
11	Ellsworth	8,085	102	$173,000	$60,718
12	Brewer	9,026	102	$167,600	$48,450
13	Auburn	23,267	103	$175,300	$51,681
14	Orono	9,523	104	$173,700	$43,102
15	Belfast	6,710	104	$184,100	$62,720
16	Bath	8,333	104	$184,500	$55,396
17	Sanford	21,166	106	$193,100	$58,294
18	Old Orchard Beach	8,952	109	$219,300	$54,209
19	Topsham	6,246	111	$243,200	$71,393
20	Brunswick	15,974	112	$237,600	$63,458
21	Westbrook	18,935	113	$240,800	$71,183
22	North Windham	5,651	113	$233,000	$80,963
23	Biddeford	21,502	114	$260,500	$54,915
24	Saco	19,716	117	$273,100	$71,755
25	South Portland	25,665	119	$276,100	$67,198
26	Gorham	7,322	119	$296,500	$80,859
27	Scarborough	5,268	120	$288,100	$66,804
28	Kennebunk	5,792	121	$329,900	$81,354
29	Portland	66,706	121	$302,700	$61,695
30	Yarmouth	5,752	127	$347,300	$69,576
31	Kittery	5,297	131	$332,800	$51,195

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Maine, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.