Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Maine runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Texas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $67,043 in Texas — about 13% higher in Texas. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
6.25%
+0.8 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
None
+7.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,170
+32% in Texas
Median Home Value
$214,200
$264,900
+24% in Texas
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$67,043
+15% in Texas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
67.2°F
+21.4°F in Texas
Maine vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Texas?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 24% below Texas's $1,170, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in Texas?
- 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 Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Texas?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/8 cities we track in Maine/Texas — 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.