Cost of Living in South Eliot, ME

Population 4,021 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

150
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

South Eliot is a smaller Maine community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $96,705 and housing costs ($438,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, South Eliot is about 35 miles east of Manchester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 30% higher than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 144
Rent 159

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

About the Cost of Living in South Eliot

The median home value in South Eliot is $437,800 — 44% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,088/month, 59% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,705/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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%. Overall, South Eliot has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$437,800
44% above avg
Median Rent
$2,088/mo
59% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.5x
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 81.6%
Renter-occupied 18.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,088
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,702/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
22.5 min
17% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.2%
Carpooled
3.6%
Walked
1.8%
Work from home
11.7%

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
$96,705
30% above avg
Per Capita Income
$52,803
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
41% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
65.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.4%
Graduate degree 15.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 53
Male median age 50.6
Female median age 53.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 35 — Good
92.7%
Good air days/yr
84
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
328
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Eliot, ME?

South Eliot has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.

What is average rent in South Eliot, ME?

The median gross rent in South Eliot is $2,088 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Eliot?

The median home value in South Eliot is $437,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in South Eliot?

The median household income in South Eliot is $96,705 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Eliot, ME?

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

Is South Eliot, ME affordable?

South Eliot is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.

South Eliot at a Glance

Population
4,021
Median Income
$96,705
Home Value
$437,800
Median Rent
$2,088/mo
Unemployment
6.8%
Sales Tax
5.5%
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🗺️ County data for Maine

Explore county-level cost of living data

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