How expensive is it to live in Maine per month?

Maine’s moderate cost of living sits at $2,725 per person per month at CostLiving’s benchmark, about 17 percent below the US average ($3,275). The headline number is pulled down by housing costs outside the Portland metro area, which sets the state index. In practice the range is wide. A one-bedroom in Portland or South Portland typically runs $1,700 to $2,500. The same one-bedroom in Bangor runs $900 to $1,400, in Lewiston-Auburn $850 to $1,300, in Presque Isle or smaller inland towns $700 to $1,100. Heating fuel adds $150 to $450 a month in winter for a typical home. Groceries and utilities sit close to the US average. State income tax is progressive to 7.15 percent, and sales tax is 5.5 percent. For the full breakdown, see our Maine cost of living page.