Cost of Living in Norway, ME
Population 5,168 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Norway a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $185,000. A poverty rate near 25% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Norway lies roughly 95 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Manchester. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Norway
The median home value in Norway is $184,700 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $758/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,162/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 57.0°F and lows of 32.4°F. Overall, Norway has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Norway 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 | 31 | 34 | 42 | 56 | 68 | 77 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 59 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 7 | 9 | 19 | 30 | 42 | 51 | 56 | 54 | 46 | 35 | 26 | 15 |
| Precip" | 3.36 | 2.94 | 3.60 | 4.46 | 3.69 | 4.13 | 3.88 | 3.58 | 4.04 | 4.73 | 4.35 | 4.15 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Norway, ME?
Norway has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Norway, ME?
The median gross rent in Norway is $758 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Norway?
The median home value in Norway is $184,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Norway?
The median household income in Norway is $53,162 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Norway, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Norway is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Norway, ME affordable?
Yes, Norway is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Norway?
Norway has average high temperatures of 57.0°F and average lows of 32.4°F. Annual precipitation is 46.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Norway at a Glance
- Population
- 5,168
- Median Income
- $53,162
- Home Value
- $184,700
- Median Rent
- $758/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs