Cost of Living in Cumberland, ME

Population 8,546 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

158
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Cumberland run well above the national baseline, with a median of $554,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $154,375 place the city among the better-paid Maine metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Cumberland lies roughly 80 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 65% higher than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 182
Rent 123

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

About the Cost of Living in Cumberland

The median home value in Cumberland is $554,100 — 82% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,615/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $154,375/year is 107% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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, Cumberland has a cost of living index of 158 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$554,100
82% above avg
Median Rent
$1,615/mo
23% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,379
1 BR
$1,563
2 BR
$2,011
3 BR
$2,464
4 BR
$2,763
Owner-occupied 91.4%
Renter-occupied 8.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,615
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,229/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
24.3 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
24.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.7%
Carpooled
4.6%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
1.1%
Work from home
24.4%

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
$154,375
107% above avg
Per Capita Income
$83,871
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
47% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Labor Force Participation
52.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.3%
Graduate degree 36.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.8
Male median age 39.4
Female median age 43.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.4°F
Avg Low
38.6°F
Annual Precip
48.1"
Annual Snowfall
68.7"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323542546474807971604838
Low °F 161726354655616052413222
Precip" 3.503.544.084.413.674.153.433.573.775.254.254.50
Snow" 18.616.613.62.80.00.00.00.00.00.22.314.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cumberland, ME?

Cumberland has a cost index of 158 (100 = national average). It is 58% above the national average.

What is average rent in Cumberland, ME?

The median gross rent in Cumberland is $1,615 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Cumberland?

The median home value in Cumberland is $554,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Cumberland?

The median household income in Cumberland is $154,375 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Cumberland, ME?

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

Is Cumberland, ME affordable?

Cumberland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 158 — about 58% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Cumberland?

Cumberland 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.

Cumberland at a Glance

Population
8,546
Median Income
$154,375
Home Value
$554,100
Median Rent
$1,615/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Avg High Temp
56.4°F
Sales Tax
5.5%
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