Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $866 in Missouri. Overall, Missouri runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $55,279 in Missouri — about 27% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
4.225%
+1.3 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
4.70%
+2.5 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,331
$866
+35% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$185,100
+59% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$55,279
+27% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
56.3°F
+9.8°F in Missouri
Maine vs Missouri — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Missouri?
- Missouri is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $866 runs about 35% below Maine's $1,331, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in Missouri?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $53,000 a year in Maine versus $35,000 in Missouri.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Missouri?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Maine/Missouri — 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.