Cost of Living in Lewiston, ME
Population 37,886 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lewiston lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $214,000 — 30% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Maine.
Lewiston lies roughly 100 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 36% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lewiston
The median home value in Lewiston is $214,200 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $954/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,558/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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%. Overall, Lewiston has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.
🏠 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
💨 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 Lewiston, ME?
Lewiston has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lewiston, ME?
The median gross rent in Lewiston is $954 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lewiston?
The median home value in Lewiston is $214,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lewiston?
The median household income in Lewiston is $56,558 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lewiston, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lewiston is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Lewiston, ME affordable?
Yes, Lewiston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.
Lewiston at a Glance
- Population
- 37,886
- Median Income
- $56,558
- Home Value
- $214,200
- Median Rent
- $954/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- 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