Cost of Living in Houlton, ME
Population 4,958 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Houlton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $122,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 17.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Houlton
The median home value in Houlton is $121,700 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $719/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,227/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 17.4%, 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 51.6°F and lows of 29.7°F. Overall, Houlton has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.
Houlton 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 | 23 | 26 | 36 | 49 | 64 | 73 | 78 | 77 | 68 | 55 | 41 | 30 |
| Low °F | 3 | 3 | 15 | 28 | 39 | 48 | 54 | 52 | 44 | 34 | 25 | 12 |
| Precip" | 2.65 | 1.95 | 2.67 | 2.94 | 3.46 | 4.04 | 3.63 | 3.52 | 3.40 | 4.04 | 3.61 | 3.37 |
💨 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 Houlton, ME?
Houlton has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Houlton, ME?
The median gross rent in Houlton is $719 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Houlton?
The median home value in Houlton is $121,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Houlton?
The median household income in Houlton is $52,227 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Houlton, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Houlton is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Houlton, ME affordable?
Yes, Houlton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Houlton?
Houlton has average high temperatures of 51.6°F and average lows of 29.7°F. Annual precipitation is 39.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Houlton at a Glance
- Population
- 4,958
- Median Income
- $52,227
- Home Value
- $121,700
- Median Rent
- $719/mo
- Unemployment
- 17.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 51.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
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