| Index | Bangor | Maine | National |
| Cost of living | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 101 | 101 | 100 |
| Housing | 85 | 91 | 100 |
| Transportation | 105 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 110 | 108 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 104 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 104 | 106 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Bangor can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Bangor cost of living index is 99, which is 1% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Bangor are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Bangor can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 6 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Bangor and this is how they responded. 67% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 33% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Bangor an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Bangor, the median home price is 15.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 12.8% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Bangor come in at $69,533, which is 14.5% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Bangor, healthcare costs are 0.9% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Bangor, the transportation index is 4.8% 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.
The cost of living data for Bangor shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $110,916 | $9,243 | $2,588 | $3,328 |
| Renters | $47,754 | $3,980 | $1,114 | $1,433 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Maine | 5.5% | 5.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Maine | 5.8% | 7.15% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Bucksport, ME | 2,994 | 94 | 6.2% |
| Milford, ME | 2,437 | 94 | 5.8% |
| Old Town, ME | 7,646 | 96 | 4.3% |
| Brewer, ME | 9,292 | 100 | 0.2% |
| Winterport, ME | 1,490 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Bangor, ME | 32,703 | 99 | 1.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Des Moines, WA | 32,691 | 133 | 32.5% |
| Bowling Green, OH | 32,672 | 94 | 6.1% |
| Orangeville, ON | 32,668 | n/a | |
| Juneau, AK | 32,746 | 132 | 31.9% |
| Midlothian, TX | 32,750 | 111 | 11.1% |
| Bangor, ME | 32,703 | 99 | 1.4% |
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