Maine attracts Americans from all over. And there are good reasons why: Affordable transport, low cost of living, and cheaper houses. You can’t go wrong with the Pine Tree State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $300,000. Caribou’s cost of living is 24.9% lower than the national average, and Presque Isle is 24.9% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Waterville’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $238K. Meanwhile, Orono offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology. The median home also costs just $310,785.
Cheapest Places to Live in Maine in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Maine. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Caribou | $158,991 | $1,100 | 24.9% lower ⬇️ | $47,803 | 7,431 |
| 2. Presque Isle | $174,055 | $963 | 24.9% lower ⬇️ | $52,109 | 8,677 |
| 3. Skowhegan | $225,500 | $1,100 | 20.6% lower ⬇️ | $46,613 | 8,678 |
| 4. Waterville | $238,827 | $1,300 | 11.4% lower ⬇️ | $45,208 | 16,823 |
| 5. Bangor | $273,988 | $1,555 | 14.3% lower ⬇️ | $52,438 | 31,628 |
| 6. Winslow | $275,064 | $1,288 | 11.4% lower ⬇️ | $53,896 | 8,026 |
| 7. Augusta | $273,031 | $1,500 | 11.4% lower ⬇️ | $45,006 | 19,102 |
| 8. Orono | $306,598 | $1,425 | 14.3% lower ⬇️ | $52,718 | 12,253 |
| 9. Gardiner | $286,586 | $1,195 | 11.4% lower ⬇️ | $57,329 | 6,159 |
| 10. Belfast | $374,206 | $1,800 | 11.3% lower ⬇️ | $53,925 | 7,069 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Maine
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Pine Tree State:
#1 Caribou
- Median house rent is $1,100.
- Median home value of Caribou is $158,991.
- Cost of living in Caribou is 24.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Caribou, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Housing costs in Maine are 62.4% less than the national average, and transport costs are 34.4% lower. It is also home to national companies like Day’s Jewelers and Living Innovations, which offer jobs in this area. There are several cross-country ski trails within an hour’s drive from the city. It is also the headquarters of the Maine Winter Sports Center.
» Caribou Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the cheapest place to live in Maine.
#2 Presque Isle
- Median house rent is $963 | Rental prices range between $850 and $1,850.
- Median home value of Presque Isle is $174,055.
- Cost of living in Presque Isle is 24.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Presque Isle, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Presque Isle is one of the cheapest cities to live in Maine, with housing 57.6% more affordable than the US average. The Presque Isle State Park offers residents a scenic view and scope for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Home to the renowned University of Maine, cheap housing and scope for quality education makes it ideal for students.
» Presque Isle Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in Presque Isle.
#3 Skowhegan
- Median house rent is $1,100 | Rental prices range between $1,000 and $1,150.
- Median home value of Skowhegan is $225,500.
- Cost of living in Skowhegan is 20.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Skowhegan, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Skowhegan has affordable housing, with the average cost 52.6% lower than the national average. Transport is also 29.7% cheaper. Skowhegan also has a robust healthcare system with hospitals like Redington-Fairview General Hospital. It offers several opportunities for outdoor recreation owing to its proximity to the Lake George Regional Park.
» Skowhegan Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in this affordable Maine city.
#4 Waterville
- Median house rent is $1,300 | Rental prices range between $430 and $2,750.
- Median home value of Waterville is $238,827.
- Cost of living in Waterville is 11.4% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Waterville, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Waterville’s healthcare costs are 6.4% lower than the national average, and transportation costs are 37% lower. Waterville is known for its two colleges, the Colby and Thomas Colleges. The city is also expected to see a 33% job hike over the coming years. This makes it an ideal place for students and young professionals.
» Waterville Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the cheapest cities in Maine to live.
#5 Bangor
- Median house rent is $1,555 | Rental prices range between $491 and $3,200.
- Median home value of Bangor is $273,988.
- Cost of living in Bangor is 14.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Bangor, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Bangor’s cost of living is 14.3% lower than the national average, and transportation costs are 31.1% lower. Bangor is the region’s largest market town, and distribution and media center. Besides this, institutions like Bangor Savings Bank contribute to the community’s financial strength.
» Bangor Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in Bangor.
#6 Winslow
- Median house rent is $1,288 | Rental prices range between $500 and $1,800.
- Median home value of Winslow is $275,064.
- Cost of living in Winslow is 11.4% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Winslow, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
You can comfortably live in Winslow with an average annual household income of $62,096. Healthcare also costs 6.3% lower than the US median. It has a rich history as the old Indian settlement ‘Taconock’, and is known for its scenic rural setting. Located on the Eastern bank of the Kennebec River, water-based activities are popular among locals.
» Winslow Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Maine.
#7 Augusta
- Median house rent is $1,500 | Rental prices range between $750 and $4,500.
- Median home value of Augusta is $273,031.
- Cost of living in Augusta is 11.4% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Augusta, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Augusta is highly affordable, with monthly food and groceries for an individual amounting to just $597. It is dotted with historic architecture, like the 19th-century Maine State House beside Capitol Park. The Viles Arboretum also has trails running Southeast, winding through trees and gardens. Additionally, MaineGeneral Health is a key local employer.
» Augusta Homes for Sale: Look for a cheap home in Augusta.
#8 Orono
- Median house rent is $1,425 | Rental prices range between $721 and $2,600.
- Median home value of Orono is $306,598.
- Cost of living in Orono is 14.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Orono, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Transport in Orono is 31.6% cheaper than the US average. Also home to the University of Maine, the city is ideal for students. Besides, Orono Parks and Recreation offers youth programs that range from soccer to frisbee. The Orono Bog Walk is another local attraction that showcases Maine’s diverse vegetation and the surrounding natural environment.
Additionally, Independence Advocates of Maine and Genesis HealthCare are the top employers.
» Orono Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in Orono.
#9 Gardiner
- Median house rent is $1,195 | Rental prices range between $750 and $2,550.
- Median home value of Gardiner is $286,586.
- Cost of living in Gardiner is 11.4% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Gardiner, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Housing costs are 29.4% lower than the US median, which makes Gardiner one of the most inexpensive places to live in Maine. Gardiner Regional Middle School is a renowned school in this area. These factors combined make it ideal for families. Pine State Trading and Gardiner Savings Institution Fsb are two major local employers.
» Gardiner Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the cheapest cities in Maine.
#10 Belfast
- Median house rent is $1,800 | Rental prices range between $950 and $3,200.
- Median home value of Belfast is $374,206.
- Cost of living in Belfast is 11.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Belfast, ME: 03909 | 03904 | 04090
Housing costs in Belfast are 20% lower than the US average, and transportation is 22.8% cheaper. It has unique appeal as both a residential and vacation spot.
Apart from this, the city is home to major companies like Maine Farmland Trust and 352 Medical Group.
» Belfast Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the cheapest cities in Maine.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Maine?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Maine under 200K in cities like Caribou, Presque Isle, and Skowhegan. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other Maine cities.
Cities like Gardiner and Belfast are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Maine.
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» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in Maine’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in Maine, we analyzed the northern, central, and southern regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive place to live in Maine?
The cheapest place to live in Maine is Caribou. The cost of living in this city is 24.9% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Maine: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Maine!.
Is Maine expensive to live in?
Yes, it is. The median home value is $401,297. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Maine?
The best place to live in Maine is Augusta, followed by Bangor, Portland, Lewiston, Cape Elizabeth, Bar Harbor and Camden.
Which Maine city has the lowest cost of living?
Caribou has the lowest cost of living, which is 24.9% and 22.6% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
