Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Arkansas versus $889 in Maine. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,074 in Arkansas and $58,096 in Maine — about 2% higher in Arkansas. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
5.5%
+1.0 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
7.15%
+3.3 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$889
+9% in Maine
Median Home Value
$221,200
$214,200
+3% in Arkansas
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,074
$58,096
+2% in Arkansas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.7°F
45.8°F
+15.9°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Maine — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Maine?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 8% below Maine's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Maine?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $33,000 a year in Arkansas versus $36,000 in Maine.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Maine?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Maine — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.