Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $889 in New Mexico. The two are close on rent, within a few percent of each other.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $65,604 in New Mexico — about 11% higher in New Mexico. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
4.875%
+0.6 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
5.90%
+1.3 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$889
about equal
Median Home Value
$214,200
$266,700
+25% in New Mexico
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$65,604
+13% in New Mexico
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
57.2°F
+11.4°F in New Mexico
Maine vs New Mexico — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or New Mexico?
- They're close. Median one-bedroom rent runs $889 in Maine and $889 in New Mexico — within a few percent of each other.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in New Mexico?
- 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 $36,000 in New Mexico.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or New Mexico?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/New Mexico — 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.