Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, Oregon runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $71,900 in Oregon — about 6% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
None
+5.5 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
9.90%
+2.8 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,331
$1,080
+19% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$435,400
+4% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$71,900
+6% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
53.0°F
+6.5°F in Oregon
Maine vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Oregon?
- Oregon is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,080 runs about 19% 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 Oregon?
- 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 $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Oregon?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Maine/Oregon — 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.