Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $964 in Michigan. Overall, Maine runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Michigan, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $65,526 in Michigan — about 11% higher in Michigan. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
6%
+0.5 pp in Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
4.25%
+2.9 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$964
+8% in Michigan
Median Home Value
$214,200
$225,500
+5% in Michigan
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$65,526
+13% in Michigan
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
49.1°F
+3.3°F in Michigan
Maine vs Michigan — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Michigan?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 8% below Michigan's $964, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in Michigan?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Maine versus $39,000 in Michigan.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Michigan?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/Michigan — 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.