Cost of Living in Caribou, ME
Population 7,427 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Caribou is a smaller Maine community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $54,271 and housing costs ($120,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Caribou
The median home value in Caribou is $120,300 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $696/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,271/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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 50.2°F and lows of 31.2°F, with about 118.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Caribou has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.
Caribou 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 | 21 | 24 | 34 | 48 | 63 | 72 | 77 | 76 | 67 | 53 | 40 | 28 |
| Low °F | 3 | 4 | 16 | 29 | 41 | 51 | 56 | 54 | 46 | 36 | 26 | 12 |
| Precip" | 2.95 | 2.42 | 2.77 | 2.99 | 3.46 | 3.89 | 4.23 | 3.61 | 3.44 | 3.99 | 3.35 | 3.60 |
| Snow" | 25.0 | 25.3 | 21.4 | 8.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 10.4 | 25.2 |
💨 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 Caribou, ME?
Caribou has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Caribou, ME?
The median gross rent in Caribou is $696 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Caribou?
The median home value in Caribou is $120,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Caribou?
The median household income in Caribou is $54,271 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Caribou, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Caribou is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Caribou, ME affordable?
Yes, Caribou is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Caribou?
Caribou has average high temperatures of 50.2°F and average lows of 31.2°F. Annual precipitation is 40.7". Average annual snowfall is 118.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Caribou at a Glance
- Population
- 7,427
- Median Income
- $54,271
- Home Value
- $120,300
- Median Rent
- $696/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 50.2°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