Cost of Living in Skowhegan, ME

Population 6,638 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Skowhegan run well below national norms — a median of $46,625 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $139,000).

Skowhegan 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 59% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 65

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

About the Cost of Living in Skowhegan

The median home value in Skowhegan is $138,600 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $856/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,625/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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%. Overall, Skowhegan has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$138,600
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$596,298
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$856/mo
35% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$839
1 BR
$901
2 BR
$1,155
3 BR
$1,455
4 BR
$1,649
Owner-occupied 62.0%
Renter-occupied 38.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$856
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,470/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
24.0 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.8%
Carpooled
20.2%
Walked
6.5%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
4.1%

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
$46,625
37% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,400
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.1%
Labor Force Participation
54.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.7%
Graduate degree 3.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39
Male median age 37.8
Female median age 40.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
8
Public schools
2,375
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Skowhegan, ME?

Skowhegan has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in Skowhegan, ME?

The median gross rent in Skowhegan is $856 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Skowhegan?

The median home value in Skowhegan is $138,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Skowhegan?

The median household income in Skowhegan is $46,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Skowhegan, ME?

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

Is Skowhegan, ME affordable?

Yes, Skowhegan is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

Skowhegan at a Glance

Population
6,638
Median Income
$46,625
Home Value
$138,600
Median Rent
$856/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Sales Tax
5.5%
View all cities in Maine →
🗺️ County data for Maine

Explore county-level cost of living data

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