B
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
19%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Lewiston Maine National
Cost of living99102100
Goods & Services109109100
Groceries102102100
Health care103103100
Housing8192100
Transportation109109100
Utilities107107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Lewiston, ME

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lewiston? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lewiston stands at 99, making it 1% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Lewiston closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Lewiston can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Lewiston Affordable?

Is Lewiston affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Lewiston, the median home price is 18.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 21.2% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Lewiston boasting a median household income of $42,969, 22.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lewiston?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Lewiston, the utilities index registers at 6.7% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Lewiston starts at 5.5% and the income tax rates start at 5.8%.

Where is the Data From?

The Lewiston cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Lewiston Area
Search Homes for Sale in Lewiston, ME

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lewiston is 3% lower than the Maine average
  • The cost of living in Lewiston is 1% lower than the national average
  • Lewiston housing is 19% lower than the national average
  • Maine general sales tax is 8% higher than the national average
  • Maine state income tax is 157% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lewiston

See all the best places to live around Lewiston

Compare Lewiston, ME Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Lewiston?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Lewiston?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Lewiston poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$65,169$5,431$1,521$1,955
      Renters$29,244$2,437$682$877
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Lewiston, ME, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Lewiston have a median income of $65,169. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,521 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $29,244, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $682.

      Maine Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Maine 5.5% 5.5%

      Maine Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Maine 5.8% 7.15%

      Goods & Services

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.67$24.2618.2%
      Beauty Salon $53.03$45.5616.4%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.3%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.9%
      Movie $13.07$12.137.7%
      Bowling $17.76$18.001.4%

      Groceries

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.41$5.847.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.43$1.578.9%
      Milk $4.75$4.671.7%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.3%
      Pizza $11.93$12.091.3%
      Beer $10.22$10.411.9%

      Health Care

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $170.67$125.6835.8%
      Doctor $146.50$135.787.9%
      Dentist $119.58$113.295.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.72$10.650.7%
      Lipitor $372.90$468.6020.4%

      Housing

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Home Price $150,100.00$184,700.0018.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,456.69$2,346.694.7%
      Apartment Rent $748.00$949.0021.2%

      Transportation

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.52$3.461.7%
      Tire Balancing $76.01$59.9226.8%

      Utilities

      Item Lewiston National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $218.65$193.9912.7%
      Phone $185.73$192.253.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      South Paris, ME1,842954.8%
      Mechanic Falls, ME2,118991.1%
      Lisbon Falls, ME4,0791000.4%
      Auburn, ME23,2671032.5%
      Gray, ME7471109.9%
      Lewiston, ME36,158990.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brighton, NY36,1631032.7%
      Roseville, MN36,1391088.3%
      Leavenworth, KS36,129919.4%
      Oakville, MO36,1171022.4%
      Bettendorf, IA36,2141044.2%
      Lewiston, ME36,158990.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.