Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $841 in Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $44,140 in Mississippi — about 24% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
7%
+1.5 pp in Mississippi
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
4.00%
+3.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$841
+5% in Maine
Median Home Value
$214,200
$153,600
+28% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$44,140
+24% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
66.1°F
+20.3°F in Mississippi
Maine vs Mississippi — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Mississippi?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $841 runs about 5% below Maine's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in Mississippi?
- 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 $34,000 in Mississippi.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Mississippi?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/Mississippi — 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.