The Cost of Living in Maine (Updated for 2025)

If you want to move to New England, you should consider setting up home in Maine.

There are so many things to love about the northernmost state in New England. From the breathtaking mountains, forests and lakes to fresh, delicious seafood— this coastal state has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a great place to live alone or start a new journey with your family, Maine is an excellent place to consider.

While living in Maine has many advantages, there are things to contemplate, such as what it would take for you and your family to take up residence comfortably. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Pine Tree State’s living cost. 

General Cost of Living in Maine 

Recent data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center ranks Maine as the third least expensive state in New England, ranking 39th in the states with the lowest cost of living. New England is wealthy and population dense, making the region more expensive than others in the United States. 

Hawaii had the highest cost of living, and West Virginia had the lowest. Popular entertainment and business states New York and California cost more than Maine, as did Oregon, Alaska and the District of Columbia. Massachusetts is the New England state with the highest cost of living. 

According to data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) the average single resident in Maine with no children needs $45,843 each year to comfortably live. That cost increases as households grow, with a family of four generally needing around $87,714 after taxes. 

Typical Income for Different Industries 

Maine has various career options, with a strong focus on fishing, nature preservation, education, health care and business jobs. 

According to MIT, the average educator makes around $55,190, while doctors make approximately $94,130. Fishing industry employees earn about $43,110, and business managers earn around $107,650. 

Whether you can afford the cost of living in Maine will depend on what income you can expect in your career field there. It also makes a difference if you have a partner who you share income with and whether they also work.  

Other Expenses to Consider

The cost of living encapsulates many different living expenses, such as owning a home, raising kids, having a vehicle and feeding your household. However, you must consider other factors when deciding if Maine is right for you. 

For example, you’ll have to allocate funds for savings so it’s important to remember to factor this into your finances when saving for medical emergencies, down payments, vacations and other expenses. 

Maine is a stunning state — yet it can have cold winters filled with snow and ice. Are you able to handle home and car maintenance when it gets frigid? Many busy residents prefer to pay someone else to complete snow removal, helping to ensure the job is done timeously. 

Entertainment

There are many entertainment options throughout the state and you’ll need to budget to enjoy annual ski and snowboarding passes, camping under the stars and enjoy the lively arts culture. You also might want to take advantage of the iconic restaurants. These excursions help you get the most out of Maine and make new friends.  

Taxes

It’s also important to clarify if your salary is tax deductible. If you currently meet the cost of living threshold, but don’t have extra to pay necessary taxes, it’s important to consider whether its the right time to move. 

American residents will likely pay tax on property, income and sales. Moving to a state that does not enforce income taxes — such as Alaska, Florida or Texas — may offer some short-term tax benefits. However, taxes on other amenities will likely be higher. 

Maine ranks 14th highest on the list of tax-paying states. Having a better idea as to how much tax you’ll pay each month helps to minimize the shock once tax season rolls around. 

Groceries 

The amount you spend on food each month depends on your family size and of course — your appetite! However, one important cost to factor in is eating out. Whether you limit yourself to eating at restaurants on special occasions or binge on weekly deli lunches, these costs will impact your budget. 

While Americans across the country have appreciated a recent decline in grocery costs, it seems the product quantities are shrinking. It’s best to consider how quickly you go through items like sugar, potato chips and frozen foods when calculating your average grocery costs. 

Transportation 

Whether you own your own vehicle or use public transport, these costs will also add to your living expenses. 

With bus fares as low as $1, it’s wise to use public transport to get from point A to point B. Children and senior citizens also qualify for special discounts. However, maintaining a vehicle will allow you more flexibility — something that will come in handy if you have small children or travel late at night. 

Consider your lifestyle along with your monthly budget when weighing up the best option for you.

Other Reasons Why Maine Is a Great Place to Live In

In Maine, you can enjoy all four beautifully distinct seasons. You’ll experience breathtaking views year-round, especially during fall. Fall in love as the city’s trees turn into a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow. Maine is also home to many pristine beaches in the country.

You also get extensive access to relaxing greenery — almost everywhere you go, there’ll be trees. You can travel around the state and be surprised by the amount of amazing things you can explore and do in the state.

Locals pride themselves on having the best lobsters in the country. With many highly acclaimed restaurants and seaside lobster eateries, there’s no shortage of amazing food.

Embracing Maine as Your Next Home 

Maine is a beautiful state with various career opportunities, gorgeous scenery, delicious food and a great social atmosphere. However, it’s important to feel secure in your financial decision to live there. Knowing what the average cost of living would be for your family is the first step to embracing the state as your new home.

Original Publish Date 3/16/2023 – Updated 1/2/2025