Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $857 in New York. Overall, New York runs roughly 36% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $48,050 in New York — about 37% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
4%
+1.5 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
10.90%
+3.8 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,331
$857
+36% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$152,300
+66% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$48,050
+37% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
48.3°F
+1.8°F in New York
Maine vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or New York?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 36% 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 New York?
- 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 $34,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or New York?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Maine/New York — 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.