Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,183 in New Jersey. Overall, Maine runs roughly 25% cheaper on rent than New Jersey, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $53,766 in New Jersey — about 7% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
6.625%
+1.1 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
10.75%
+3.6 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,183
+33% in New Jersey
Median Home Value
$214,200
$337,800
+58% in New Jersey
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$53,766
+7% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
54.9°F
+9.1°F in New Jersey
Maine vs New Jersey — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or New Jersey?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 25% below New Jersey's $1,183, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in New Jersey?
- 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 $47,000 in New Jersey.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or New Jersey?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/New Jersey — 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.