Cost of Living in China, ME

Population 4,475 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

77
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives China a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $234,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 135 miles northeast of Manchester, China is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 77
Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in China

The median home value in China is $234,300 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,000/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,825/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, 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 37.0°F. Overall, China has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$234,300
23% below avg
Median Rent
$1,000/mo
24% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$895
1 BR
$901
2 BR
$1,160
3 BR
$1,454
4 BR
$1,739
Owner-occupied 91.0%
Renter-occupied 9.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,000
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,614/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.5 min
9% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.6%
Carpooled
4.6%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
0.9%
Work from home
9.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 7.2%
Total Sales Tax 5.5%
State rate 5.5%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$93,825
26% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,033
Unemployment Rate
0.7%
86% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Labor Force Participation
55.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.7%
Graduate degree 13.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.1
Male median age 40.3
Female median age 39.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.2°F
Avg Low
37.0°F
Annual Precip
41.8"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 293241546674807971584635
Low °F 121423344554605951403020
Precip" 2.622.323.213.823.274.013.203.413.904.693.953.44

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in China, ME?

China has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.

What is average rent in China, ME?

The median gross rent in China is $1,000 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in China?

The median home value in China is $234,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in China?

The median household income in China is $93,825 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in China, ME?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in China is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.

Is China, ME affordable?

Yes, China is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in China?

China 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.

China at a Glance

Population
4,475
Median Income
$93,825
Home Value
$234,300
Median Rent
$1,000/mo
Unemployment
0.7%
Avg High Temp
55.2°F
Sales Tax
5.5%
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