Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $824 in Wyoming. Overall, Wyoming runs roughly 38% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $77,176 in Wyoming — about 1% higher in Wyoming. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
4%
+1.5 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
None
+7.2 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,331
$824
+38% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$311,200
+31% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$77,176
+1% in Wyoming
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
46.5°F
about equal
Maine vs Wyoming — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Wyoming?
- Wyoming is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $824 runs about 38% 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 Wyoming?
- 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 $33,000 in Wyoming.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Wyoming?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Maine/Wyoming — 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.