Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Maine's overall cost of living index was 111.5 in 2024, about 11.5% above the national average.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Maine | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 97.1 | 100 |
- •Maine's cost of living is the highest in northern New England outside of Massachusetts.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Maine run about 18% above the national average, fueled by a $391,000 median home value.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Maine | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 78.9 | 100 |
- •Cumberland County housing costs are significantly above the statewide average.
Utility Costs
Maine utility costs run high due to its cold climate and the nation's heaviest reliance on heating oil, with ~55% of homes using fuel oil.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Northeast region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU010072610).
| Indicator | Maine | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 135.2 | 100 |
- •Maine has the highest share of households using heating oil in the entire country.
Food Costs
Grocery and food costs in Maine run about 8% above the national average, reflecting transportation costs to reach its rural communities.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (Northeast region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Northeast region, annual average (CUUR0100SAF1).
| Indicator | Maine | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 97.2 | 100 |
- •Maine's rural far north sees some of the highest grocery prices in the Northeast.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Maine run about 10% above the national average, with an index of 110 in 2024.
Medical care price index (Northeast region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Northeast region, annual average (CUUR0100SAM).
- •Maine's median age of 44.8 years, the highest in the U.S., drives higher healthcare demand.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Maine run slightly above average, at an index of 104, reflecting long rural commutes and high fuel usage.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, New England region (PADD 1A), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1X_DPG).
| Indicator | Maine | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.34 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Maine residents in Aroostook County often drive over 30 minutes to reach basic services.