Cost of Living in Auburn, ME
Population 24,294 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Auburn sits on the smaller end of the Maine city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Auburn lies roughly 95 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Manchester. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Auburn
The median home value in Auburn is $254,600 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $983/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,552/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Maine's top state income tax rate is 7.2% and the combined sales tax is 5.5%. Overall, Auburn has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Auburn, ME?
Auburn has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Auburn, ME?
The median gross rent in Auburn is $983 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Auburn?
The median home value in Auburn is $254,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Auburn?
The median household income in Auburn is $66,552 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Auburn, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Auburn is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Auburn, ME affordable?
Yes, Auburn is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
Auburn at a Glance
- Population
- 24,294
- Median Income
- $66,552
- Home Value
- $254,600
- Median Rent
- $983/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs