Cost of Living in Paris, ME

Population 5,268 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

66
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Paris offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $192,000 — costs less than 2.8 times median household income of $68,197, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Paris 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 43% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 63
Rent 71

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

About the Cost of Living in Paris

The median home value in Paris is $192,300 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $935/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,197/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.1%, 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 36.2°F, with about 66.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Paris has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$192,300
37% below avg
Median Rent
$935/mo
29% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$830
1 BR
$835
2 BR
$1,096
3 BR
$1,435
4 BR
$1,840
Owner-occupied 65.8%
Renter-occupied 34.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$935
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,549/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
19.6 min
27% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.6%
Carpooled
4.4%
Work from home
19.9%

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
$68,197
9% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,088
Unemployment Rate
0.1%
99% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.5%
Labor Force Participation
52.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.1%
Graduate degree 8.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.5
Male median age 44.5
Female median age 49.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.2°F
Avg Low
36.2°F
Annual Precip
50"
Annual Snowfall
66.8"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303341536473797870584737
Low °F 121424324453595850393020
Precip" 3.463.504.064.284.064.213.483.274.206.005.194.30
Snow" 19.313.618.73.30.00.00.00.00.00.21.99.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Paris, ME?

Paris has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.

What is average rent in Paris, ME?

The median gross rent in Paris is $935 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Paris?

The median home value in Paris is $192,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Paris?

The median household income in Paris is $68,197 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Paris, ME?

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

Is Paris, ME affordable?

Yes, Paris is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Paris?

Paris has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 36.2°F. Annual precipitation is 50". Average annual snowfall is 66.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Paris at a Glance

Population
5,268
Median Income
$68,197
Home Value
$192,300
Median Rent
$935/mo
Unemployment
0.1%
Avg High Temp
55.2°F
Sales Tax
5.5%
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