Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Maine runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $83,857 in Washington — about 31% higher in Washington. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
6.5%
+1.0 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
None
+7.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,332
+50% in Washington
Median Home Value
$214,200
$454,600
+112% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$83,857
+44% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
52.1°F
+6.3°F in Washington
Maine vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Washington?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 33% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Washington?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/Washington — 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.