| Index | Saco | Maine | National |
| Cost of living | 116 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 101 | 101 | 100 |
| Housing | 144 | 91 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 109 | 108 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 105 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 109 | 106 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Saco 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 Saco is 116, which is 16% 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.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Saco cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 43.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Saco an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Saco is 51.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 24.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Saco has a median household income of $105,817, which is 30.1% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Saco, the utilities index is 9.4% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Saco, the transportation index stands at 1.4% higher than the national average.
The Saco cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $125,263 | $10,439 | $2,923 | $3,758 |
| Renters | $77,278 | $6,440 | $1,803 | $2,319 |
| 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. |
| Alfred, ME | 1,030 | 101 | 0.8% |
| Lake Arrowhead, ME | 2,809 | 105 | 4.9% |
| Old Orchard Beach, ME | 9,273 | 108 | 7.8% |
| North Berwick, ME | 1,778 | 108 | 8.3% |
| Westbrook, ME | 19,325 | 110 | 10.4% |
| Saco, ME | 20,356 | 116 | 15.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Niskayuna, NY | 20,358 | 122 | 22.0% |
| Mililani Mauka, HI | 20,370 | 194 | 94.4% |
| Blythe, CA | 20,378 | 97 | 2.7% |
| Sherwood, OR | 20,329 | 137 | 37.3% |
| Bartow, FL | 20,388 | 98 | 1.8% |
| Saco, ME | 20,356 | 116 | 15.9% |
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