Cost of Living in Fairfield, ME

Population 6,523 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

58
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Fairfield is a smaller Maine community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,557 and housing costs ($151,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Geographically, Fairfield lies roughly 145 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Manchester. Median home values run roughly 55% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 49
Rent 72

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

About the Cost of Living in Fairfield

The median home value in Fairfield is $150,800 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $943/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,557/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, 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 55.2°F and lows of 37.0°F. Overall, Fairfield has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$150,800
51% below avg
Median Rent
$943/mo
28% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$841
1 BR
$911
2 BR
$1,053
3 BR
$1,350
4 BR
$1,510
Owner-occupied 78.2%
Renter-occupied 21.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$943
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,557/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
24.0 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.6%
Carpooled
10.3%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
11.5%

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
$62,557
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,452
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
21% below avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Labor Force Participation
51.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.8%
Graduate degree 4.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.2
Male median age 43.5
Female median age 41.5

🌤 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

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
2,091
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fairfield, ME?

Fairfield has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.

What is average rent in Fairfield, ME?

The median gross rent in Fairfield is $943 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fairfield?

The median home value in Fairfield is $150,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Fairfield?

The median household income in Fairfield is $62,557 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fairfield, ME?

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

Is Fairfield, ME affordable?

Yes, Fairfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Fairfield?

Fairfield 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.

Fairfield at a Glance

Population
6,523
Median Income
$62,557
Home Value
$150,800
Median Rent
$943/mo
Unemployment
3.8%
Avg High Temp
55.2°F
Sales Tax
5.5%
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🗺️ County data for Maine

Explore county-level cost of living data

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