Cost of Living in Cape Elizabeth, ME
Population 9,547 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Cape Elizabeth run well above the national baseline, with a median of $661,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $145,107 place the city among the better-paid Maine metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 75 miles northeast of Manchester, Cape Elizabeth is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 97% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cape Elizabeth
The median home value in Cape Elizabeth is $661,000 — 117% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,191/month, 67% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $145,107/year is 95% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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 56.4°F and lows of 38.6°F, with about 68.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Cape Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 197 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 97% more expensive.
Cape Elizabeth 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 | 32 | 35 | 42 | 54 | 64 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 71 | 60 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 26 | 35 | 46 | 55 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 22 |
| Precip" | 3.50 | 3.54 | 4.08 | 4.41 | 3.67 | 4.15 | 3.43 | 3.57 | 3.77 | 5.25 | 4.25 | 4.50 |
| Snow" | 18.6 | 16.6 | 13.6 | 2.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 14.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Cape Elizabeth has a cost index of 197 (100 = national average). It is 97% above the national average.
What is average rent in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
The median gross rent in Cape Elizabeth is $2,191 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cape Elizabeth?
The median home value in Cape Elizabeth is $661,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Cape Elizabeth?
The median household income in Cape Elizabeth is $145,107 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cape Elizabeth, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cape Elizabeth is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Cape Elizabeth, ME affordable?
Cape Elizabeth is above average in cost of living, with an index of 197 — about 97% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Cape Elizabeth?
Cape Elizabeth has average high temperatures of 56.4°F and average lows of 38.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.1". Average annual snowfall is 68.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cape Elizabeth at a Glance
- Population
- 9,547
- Median Income
- $145,107
- Home Value
- $661,000
- Median Rent
- $2,191/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
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Maine Rankings
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