Cost of Living in Wells, ME
Population 11,544 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wells sits on the smaller end of the Maine city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Located 45 miles east of Manchester, Wells falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 33% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wells
The median home value in Wells is $445,800 — 46% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,313/month, equal to than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,900/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 57.8°F and lows of 37.6°F. Overall, Wells has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more 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 | 33 | 35 | 44 | 57 | 67 | 77 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 60 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 15 | 17 | 25 | 35 | 45 | 54 | 60 | 58 | 50 | 39 | 31 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.53 | 2.22 | 3.72 | 3.67 | 3.52 | 3.86 | 3.52 | 3.17 | 3.43 | 4.39 | 3.89 | 3.30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wells, ME?
Wells has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wells, ME?
The median gross rent in Wells is $1,313 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wells?
The median home value in Wells is $445,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Wells?
The median household income in Wells is $83,900 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wells, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wells is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Wells, ME affordable?
Wells is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Wells?
Wells has average high temperatures of 57.8°F and average lows of 37.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Wells at a Glance
- Population
- 11,544
- Median Income
- $83,900
- Home Value
- $445,800
- Median Rent
- $1,313/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
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Maine Rankings
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