Cost of Living in Jay, ME
Population 4,644 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Jay offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $163,000 — costs less than 2.1 times median household income of $77,575, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Located 125 miles northeast of Manchester, Jay is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. 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 Jay
The median home value in Jay is $162,500 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $723/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $77,575/year is 4% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 37.0°F. Overall, Jay has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
Jay 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 | 29 | 32 | 41 | 54 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 71 | 58 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 12 | 14 | 23 | 34 | 45 | 54 | 60 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 2.62 | 2.32 | 3.21 | 3.82 | 3.27 | 4.01 | 3.20 | 3.41 | 3.90 | 4.69 | 3.95 | 3.44 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jay, ME?
Jay has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jay, ME?
The median gross rent in Jay is $723 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jay?
The median home value in Jay is $162,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Jay?
The median household income in Jay is $77,575 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jay, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jay is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Jay, ME affordable?
Yes, Jay is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jay?
Jay 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.
Jay at a Glance
- Population
- 4,644
- Median Income
- $77,575
- Home Value
- $162,500
- Median Rent
- $723/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Nearby Cities
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Maine Rankings
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