Cost of Living in Orono, ME
Population 10,699 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Younger and more credentialed than the state overall — median age 22, 30% with a bachelor's — Orono has the labor and housing dynamics of a university town. Demand for rentals peaks sharply around fall enrollment. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Orono lies roughly 190 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 35% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Orono
The median home value in Orono is $219,200 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,150/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,890/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 54.0°F and lows of 32.4°F. Overall, Orono has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 31 | 39 | 52 | 65 | 73 | 79 | 78 | 70 | 57 | 44 | 34 |
| Low °F | 6 | 8 | 19 | 30 | 41 | 50 | 56 | 53 | 46 | 36 | 27 | 16 |
| Precip" | 3.66 | 2.98 | 3.78 | 3.68 | 3.47 | 4.19 | 3.45 | 3.15 | 3.67 | 4.27 | 3.99 | 4.15 |
💨 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 Orono, ME?
Orono has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Orono, ME?
The median gross rent in Orono is $1,150 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Orono?
The median home value in Orono is $219,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Orono?
The median household income in Orono is $56,890 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Orono, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Orono is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Orono, ME affordable?
Yes, Orono is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Orono?
Orono has average high temperatures of 54.0°F and average lows of 32.4°F. Annual precipitation is 44.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Orono at a Glance
- Population
- 10,699
- Median Income
- $56,890
- Home Value
- $219,200
- Median Rent
- $1,150/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
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