Cost of Living in Dexter, ME
Population 3,812 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Dexter a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $160,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Dexter lies roughly 180 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 52% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dexter
The median home value in Dexter is $160,300 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $889/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,353/year is 30% lower 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 52.8°F and lows of 32.7°F. Overall, Dexter has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Dexter 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 | 25 | 28 | 38 | 51 | 65 | 74 | 79 | 78 | 69 | 56 | 42 | 31 |
| Low °F | 6 | 7 | 18 | 30 | 42 | 52 | 57 | 55 | 47 | 37 | 27 | 15 |
| Precip" | 2.70 | 2.13 | 2.97 | 3.51 | 3.42 | 4.20 | 4.16 | 3.80 | 3.61 | 4.55 | 4.10 | 3.45 |
💨 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 Dexter, ME?
Dexter has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dexter, ME?
The median gross rent in Dexter is $889 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dexter?
The median home value in Dexter is $160,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Dexter?
The median household income in Dexter is $52,353 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dexter, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dexter is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Dexter, ME affordable?
Yes, Dexter is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dexter?
Dexter has average high temperatures of 52.8°F and average lows of 32.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dexter at a Glance
- Population
- 3,812
- Median Income
- $52,353
- Home Value
- $160,300
- Median Rent
- $889/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.8°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