Cost of Living in Bowdoin, ME
Population 3,180 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bowdoin is a smaller Maine community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $78,238 and housing costs ($257,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Bowdoin lies roughly 105 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Manchester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bowdoin
The median home value in Bowdoin is $257,300 — 16% below the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $78,238/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, below 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 36.2°F, with about 66.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bowdoin has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% less expensive.
Bowdoin has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
🛒 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 | 30 | 33 | 41 | 53 | 64 | 73 | 79 | 78 | 70 | 58 | 47 | 37 |
| Low °F | 12 | 14 | 24 | 32 | 44 | 53 | 59 | 58 | 50 | 39 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 3.46 | 3.50 | 4.06 | 4.28 | 4.06 | 4.21 | 3.48 | 3.27 | 4.20 | 6.00 | 5.19 | 4.30 |
| Snow" | 19.3 | 13.6 | 18.7 | 3.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.9 | 9.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bowdoin, ME?
Bowdoin has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.
What is the average home price in Bowdoin?
The median home value in Bowdoin is $257,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Bowdoin?
The median household income in Bowdoin is $78,238 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bowdoin, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bowdoin is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Bowdoin, ME affordable?
Yes, Bowdoin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bowdoin?
Bowdoin has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 36.2°F. Annual precipitation is 50". Average annual snowfall is 66.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bowdoin at a Glance
- Population
- 3,180
- Median Income
- $78,238
- Home Value
- $257,300
- Unemployment
- 1.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
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