Cost of Living in Fort Kent, ME
Population 4,140 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Fort Kent a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $132,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Kent
The median home value in Fort Kent is $131,600 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $828/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,701/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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 48.6°F and lows of 31.7°F. Overall, Fort Kent has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Fort Kent is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — 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 | 19 | 22 | 33 | 46 | 62 | 71 | 76 | 74 | 66 | 51 | 38 | 26 |
| Low °F | 3 | 6 | 16 | 30 | 42 | 51 | 57 | 55 | 47 | 36 | 26 | 13 |
| Precip" | 1.51 | 0.87 | 1.47 | 2.35 | 3.07 | 4.23 | 3.88 | 3.77 | 3.46 | 3.46 | 2.58 | 2.27 |
💨 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 Fort Kent, ME?
Fort Kent has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Kent, ME?
The median gross rent in Fort Kent is $828 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Kent?
The median home value in Fort Kent is $131,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Fort Kent?
The median household income in Fort Kent is $60,701 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Kent, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Kent is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Fort Kent, ME affordable?
Yes, Fort Kent is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fort Kent?
Fort Kent has average high temperatures of 48.6°F and average lows of 31.7°F. Annual precipitation is 32.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fort Kent at a Glance
- Population
- 4,140
- Median Income
- $60,701
- Home Value
- $131,600
- Median Rent
- $828/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 48.6°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