Cost of Living in Madison, ME

Population 4,761 · 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

Under 25,000 residents gives Madison a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $154,000. An unemployment rate of 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Madison lies roughly 150 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 54% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 51
Rent 68

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

About the Cost of Living in Madison

The median home value in Madison is $154,300 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $892/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,750/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, 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, Madison has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$154,300
49% below avg
Median Rent
$892/mo
32% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.4x
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 59.9%
Renter-occupied 40.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$892
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,506/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
25.5 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.1%
Carpooled
10.4%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
18.7%

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
$48,750
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,469
Unemployment Rate
0.0%
100% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
Labor Force Participation
42.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.7%
Graduate degree 3.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 52.4
Male median age 49.5
Female median age 55.4

🌤 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

95%
4-Year Graduation Rate
10.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
617
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Madison, ME?

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

What is average rent in Madison, ME?

The median gross rent in Madison is $892 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Madison?

The median home value in Madison is $154,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Madison?

The median household income in Madison is $48,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Madison, ME?

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

Is Madison, ME affordable?

Yes, Madison 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 Madison?

Madison 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.

Madison at a Glance

Population
4,761
Median Income
$48,750
Home Value
$154,300
Median Rent
$892/mo
Unemployment
0.0%
Avg High Temp
55.2°F
Sales Tax
5.5%
View all cities in Maine →
🗺️ County data for Maine

Explore county-level cost of living data

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