Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $984 in Nebraska. Overall, Nebraska runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $72,708 in Nebraska — about 5% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
5.5%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
4.55%
+2.6 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,331
$984
+26% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$230,800
+49% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$72,708
+5% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
51.1°F
+4.6°F in Nebraska
Maine vs Nebraska — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Nebraska?
- Nebraska is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $984 runs about 26% 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 Nebraska?
- 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 $39,000 in Nebraska.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Nebraska?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Maine/Nebraska — 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.