Cost of Living in Brewer, ME
Population 9,654 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brewer is a smaller Maine community of around 10000 residents, where median household incomes of $51,490 and housing costs ($218,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Brewer lies roughly 185 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 35% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brewer
The median home value in Brewer is $218,100 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $984/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,490/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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 34.8°F, with about 74.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Brewer has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
Brewer 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
💰 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 | 28 | 31 | 40 | 53 | 66 | 75 | 80 | 79 | 71 | 58 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 9 | 11 | 21 | 32 | 43 | 53 | 59 | 57 | 49 | 38 | 29 | 17 |
| Precip" | 3.17 | 2.38 | 3.22 | 3.61 | 3.34 | 3.87 | 3.16 | 3.06 | 3.76 | 4.58 | 3.84 | 3.72 |
| Snow" | 18.6 | 17.5 | 15.2 | 3.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 4.3 | 14.7 |
💨 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 Brewer, ME?
Brewer has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brewer, ME?
The median gross rent in Brewer is $984 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brewer?
The median home value in Brewer is $218,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brewer?
The median household income in Brewer is $51,490 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brewer, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brewer is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Brewer, ME affordable?
Yes, Brewer is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Brewer?
Brewer has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 34.8°F. Annual precipitation is 41.7". Average annual snowfall is 74.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brewer at a Glance
- Population
- 9,654
- Median Income
- $51,490
- Home Value
- $218,100
- Median Rent
- $984/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
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