Cost of Living in Waterville, ME
Population 16,704 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,489, median household incomes in Waterville land roughly 36% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 25% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 140 miles northeast of Manchester, Waterville is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waterville
The median home value in Waterville is $173,700 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $957/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,489/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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, Waterville has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% 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 | 29 | 32 | 41 | 54 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 71 | 58 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 12 | 14 | 23 | 34 | 45 | 54 | 60 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 2.62 | 2.32 | 3.21 | 3.82 | 3.27 | 4.01 | 3.20 | 3.41 | 3.90 | 4.69 | 3.95 | 3.44 |
💨 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 Waterville, ME?
Waterville has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waterville, ME?
The median gross rent in Waterville is $957 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville is $173,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waterville?
The median household income in Waterville is $47,489 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waterville, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waterville is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Waterville, ME affordable?
Yes, Waterville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Waterville?
Waterville 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.
Waterville at a Glance
- Population
- 16,704
- Median Income
- $47,489
- Home Value
- $173,700
- Median Rent
- $957/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs