Maine Cost of Living Calculator
Maine scores 112.9 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 128.5, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $84,675 here; its highest part is housing at 128.5.
| Index | Maine |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 112.9 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 128.5 |
| Groceries | 101.1 |
| Utilities | 128.3 |
| Transportation | 96.9 |
| Health care | 115.8 |
| Other goods and services | 104.3 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
$9,675.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Maine's figures fill the destination side: composite 112.9 for the salary, housing 128.5 for the rent, and 9.15% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Maine ranks 10th highest of the 50 states on the composite index (112.9). Median household income: $76,442 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,755 a month.
What Maine's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Maine | Rent at the U.S. average → in Maine | Maine income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,450 | $1,000 → $1,285 | $2,190 (3.9%) |
| $75,000 | $84,675 | $1,500 → $1,927 | $4,095 (4.8%) |
| $100,000 | $112,900 | $2,000 → $2,570 | $6,296 (5.6%) |
| $150,000 | $169,350 | $2,500 → $3,213 | $11,140 (6.6%) |
Maine 2026 single-filer rates, after Maine Revenue Services — 2025 individual income tax rates, standard deduction and personal exemption; 2025 phase-out worksheets (tax year 2025).
Maine and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Maine | $1,500 rent there = in Maine | $75,000 in Maine = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 108.5 / 113.9 | $78,041 | $1,692 | $72,077 | none on wages → 9.15% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Maine?
Maine's composite index is 112.9 for Q2 2026, the 10th highest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $84,675 buys in Maine.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Maine?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Maine's highest part is housing (128.5) and its lowest is transportation (96.9); housing, groceries, utilities, health care and other goods and services are above the national average, the other one at or below it (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Maine at 30% of income?
About $70,200 a year: Maine's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,755 a month, and $21,060 a year is 30% of that salary.