Cost of Living in Augusta, ME
Population 18,999 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Augusta a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $189,000. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Augusta lies roughly 125 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Manchester. Median home values run roughly 44% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Augusta
The median home value in Augusta is $188,900 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $887/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,756/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 55.2°F and lows of 37.0°F. Overall, Augusta has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 29 | 32 | 41 | 54 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 71 | 58 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 12 | 14 | 23 | 34 | 45 | 54 | 60 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 2.62 | 2.32 | 3.21 | 3.82 | 3.27 | 4.01 | 3.20 | 3.41 | 3.90 | 4.69 | 3.95 | 3.44 |
💨 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 Augusta, ME?
Augusta has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Augusta, ME?
The median gross rent in Augusta is $887 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Augusta?
The median home value in Augusta is $188,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Augusta?
The median household income in Augusta is $48,756 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Augusta, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Augusta is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Augusta, ME affordable?
Yes, Augusta is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Augusta?
Augusta has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 37.0°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Augusta at a Glance
- Population
- 18,999
- Median Income
- $48,756
- Home Value
- $188,900
- Median Rent
- $887/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- 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