Cost of Living in Vassalboro, ME

Population 4,544 · Maine · Data vintage 2023

74
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Vassalboro offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $218,000 — costs less than 2.9 times median household income of $74,828, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 135 miles northeast of Manchester, Vassalboro is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 71
Rent 78

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

About the Cost of Living in Vassalboro

The median home value in Vassalboro is $217,900 — 29% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,030/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,828/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, 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 55.2°F and lows of 37.0°F. Overall, Vassalboro has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$217,900
29% below avg
Median Rent
$1,030/mo
22% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$895
1 BR
$901
2 BR
$1,160
3 BR
$1,454
4 BR
$1,739
Owner-occupied 83.4%
Renter-occupied 16.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,030
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,644/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
29.5 min
9% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.8%
Carpooled
6.5%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
11.1%

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
$74,828
0% below avg
Per Capita Income
$39,286
Unemployment Rate
7.4%
55% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
Labor Force Participation
50.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.5%
Graduate degree 12.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.3
Male median age 49.8
Female median age 48.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.2°F
Avg Low
37.0°F
Annual Precip
41.8"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 293241546674807971584635
Low °F 121423344554605951403020
Precip" 2.622.323.213.823.274.013.203.413.904.693.953.44

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Vassalboro, ME?

Vassalboro has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.

What is average rent in Vassalboro, ME?

The median gross rent in Vassalboro is $1,030 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Vassalboro?

The median home value in Vassalboro is $217,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Vassalboro?

The median household income in Vassalboro is $74,828 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Vassalboro, ME?

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

Is Vassalboro, ME affordable?

Yes, Vassalboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Vassalboro?

Vassalboro has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 37.0°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Vassalboro at a Glance

Population
4,544
Median Income
$74,828
Home Value
$217,900
Median Rent
$1,030/mo
Unemployment
7.4%
Avg High Temp
55.2°F
Sales Tax
5.5%
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🗺️ County data for Maine

Explore county-level cost of living data

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