Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $1,332 in Washington. The two are close on rent, within a few percent of each other.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $83,857 in Washington — about 9% 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
$1,331
$1,332
+0% in Washington
Median Home Value
$452,600
$454,600
+0% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$83,857
+10% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
52.1°F
+5.6°F in Washington
Maine vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Washington?
- They're close. Median one-bedroom rent runs $1,331 in Maine and $1,332 in Washington — within a few percent of each other.
- 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 $53,000 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 1/3 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.