Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $889 in Maine. Overall, Maine runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $58,096 in Maine — about 32% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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
2.9%
5.5%
+2.6 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
7.15%
+2.8 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$889
+32% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$214,200
+63% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$58,096
+32% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
45.8°F
+4.4°F in Colorado
Colorado vs Maine — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Maine?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 32% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado 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 $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $36,000 in Maine.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Maine?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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 Colorado/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.