Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,100 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Maine runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 4% higher in Pennsylvania. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
6%
+0.5 pp in Pennsylvania
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
3.07%
+4.1 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,100
+24% in Pennsylvania
Median Home Value
$214,200
$193,200
+10% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$60,698
+4% in Pennsylvania
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
51.8°F
+6.0°F in Pennsylvania
Maine vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Pennsylvania?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 19% below Pennsylvania's $1,100, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in Pennsylvania?
- 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 $44,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Pennsylvania?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/Pennsylvania — 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.