B+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Brunswick Maine National
Cost of living109100100
Groceries103103100
Health care102101100
Housing12391100
Transportation104103100
Utilities105108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101103100
Household Items103103100
Education & Childcare105106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brunswick, ME

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Brunswick is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Brunswick is 109, which is 9% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Brunswick are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Brunswick can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs significantly influence the Brunswick cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 22.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Brunswick Affordable?

Is Brunswick affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Brunswick, for instance, where the median home price falls 28.3% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 10% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Brunswick flaunting a median household income of $96,013, 18% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brunswick?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Brunswick, the groceries index is 3.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Brunswick, healthcare costs are 1.7% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Brunswick comes in at 5.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Brunswick cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brunswick is 9% higher than the Maine average
  • The cost of living in Brunswick is 9% higher than the national average
  • Brunswick housing is 23% higher than the national average
  • Maine general sales tax is 8% higher than the national average
  • Maine state income tax is 123% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Brunswick

See all the best places to live around Brunswick

Compare Brunswick, ME Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$119,086$9,924$2,778$3,573
      Renters$63,693$5,308$1,486$1,911
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Brunswick, ME, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Brunswick, the median monthly income is $119,086 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,778 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $63,693, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,486 on monthly rental expenses.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lewiston, ME37,532972.9%
      Lisbon Falls, ME4,167982.0%
      Richmond, ME1,788991.4%
      Wiscasset, ME1,3201000.2%
      Auburn, ME23,8041010.5%
      Brunswick, ME16,5661099.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Waxhaw, NC16,56912524.8%
      Fort Mohave, AZ16,5711010.9%
      Sulphur Springs, TX16,5739010.2%
      White Center, WA16,58413938.7%
      Griffith, IN16,547937.1%
      Brunswick, ME16,5661099.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.