Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $803 in North Dakota. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $66,029 in North Dakota — about 12% higher in North Dakota. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
5%
+0.5 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
2.50%
+4.7 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$803
+10% in Maine
Median Home Value
$214,200
$269,800
+26% in North Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$66,029
+14% in North Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
42.4°F
+3.4°F in Maine
Maine vs North Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or North Dakota?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $803 runs about 10% 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 North Dakota?
- 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 $32,000 in North Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or North Dakota?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/North Dakota — 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.