Living in Maine: Income, Housing, Taxes & Cost of Living (2026)
By Wealthvieu
·
Updated
Table of Contents
Maine at a Glance
| Metric |
Value |
National Rank |
| Population (2024) |
1.4 million |
42nd |
| Median household income |
$68,251 |
34th |
| Median home price |
$355,000 |
Above average |
| Cost of living index |
108 |
Above average |
| State income tax |
5.8-7.15% |
Above average |
| Sales tax |
5.5% |
Below average |
| Property tax (effective rate) |
1.24% |
Above average |
Income and Housing
| City/Area |
Median Income |
Median Home Price |
Median Rent (2BR) |
| Portland |
$68,400 |
$450,000 |
$1,800 |
| South Portland |
$65,200 |
$380,000 |
$1,650 |
| Bangor |
$48,800 |
$235,000 |
$1,150 |
| Lewiston-Auburn |
$46,400 |
$230,000 |
$1,100 |
| Augusta |
$48,200 |
$215,000 |
$1,050 |
| Bar Harbor area |
$52,200 |
$420,000 |
$1,600 |
Maine Pros and Cons
| Financial Pros |
Financial Cons |
| No tax on Social Security |
High income tax (up to 7.15%) |
| Beautiful coastal lifestyle |
Expensive heating (long winters) |
| Affordable inland/northern areas |
Above-average property taxes |
| Growing remote-work destination |
Limited high-paying job markets |
| Low crime rates |
Housing prices rising fast (Portland) |
| Strong tourism economy |
Short building season |
Related: Cost of Living by State | State Income Tax Rates | Property Tax by State
