Cost of Living in Durham, ME

Population 4,203 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

94
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Durham sits on the smaller end of the Maine city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Durham lies roughly 95 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 14% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 94

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

About the Cost of Living in Durham

The median home value in Durham is $287,800 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $96,492/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, above 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 36.2°F, with about 66.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Durham has a cost of living index of 94 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$287,800
6% below avg
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$898
1 BR
$994
2 BR
$1,268
3 BR
$1,663
4 BR
$1,845
Owner-occupied 94.8%
Renter-occupied 5.2%

🛒 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
28.6 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.7%
Carpooled
2.9%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
18.1%

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
$96,492
29% above avg
Per Capita Income
$45,480
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
30% above avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
Labor Force Participation
57.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.8%
Graduate degree 9.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40
Male median age 39.9
Female median age 40.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.2°F
Avg Low
36.2°F
Annual Precip
50"
Annual Snowfall
66.8"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303341536473797870584737
Low °F 121424324453595850393020
Precip" 3.463.504.064.284.064.213.483.274.206.005.194.30
Snow" 19.313.618.73.30.00.00.00.00.00.21.99.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Durham, ME?

Durham has a cost index of 94 (100 = national average). It is 6% below the national average.

What is the average home price in Durham?

The median home value in Durham is $287,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Durham?

The median household income in Durham is $96,492 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Durham, ME?

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

Is Durham, ME affordable?

Durham is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 94 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Durham?

Durham has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 36.2°F. Annual precipitation is 50". Average annual snowfall is 66.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Durham at a Glance

Population
4,203
Median Income
$96,492
Home Value
$287,800
Unemployment
6.3%
Avg High Temp
55.2°F
Sales Tax
5.5%
View all cities in Maine →
🗺️ County data for Maine

Explore county-level cost of living data

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