Orono, ME

Yes — everyday expenses in Orono run about 9% below the US average (Cost Index: 91). Housing is especially affordable: the median home is valued around $219,200, compared to the $303,400 national median. Monthly rent is typically around $1,150, versus $1,348 nationally.

Start with housing. Typical monthly rent is $1,150, while local median household income is $56,890. That implies a rent-burden proxy of about 24% before utilities and other costs. For a specific job offer, filing status, or take-home pay scenario, use salary.city.

Maine has a progressive state income tax with a top rate of 7.15%. The effective property tax rate is 1.36%. On a home worth $219,200, that translates to roughly $2,981 per year in property taxes. Sales tax (state + local) averages around 5.5% on everyday purchases.

The typical monthly rent in Orono is around $1,150. That's roughly 15% lower than the $1,348 national median. For comparison, the median home value here is $219,200, so buyers should also factor in mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.

The median home in Orono is valued at $219,200. With 20% down and a 6.5% mortgage rate, you'd be looking at roughly $1,108/month for principal and interest alone — before property taxes and insurance. About 44% of residents here own their homes.

Grocery prices in Orono are about average compared to the rest of the US (index: 97, where 100 is the national average). Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) are on the high side (index: 135). Overall, these everyday costs shouldn't cause major surprises if you're moving from another similarly-sized US city.

Orono is a small town with a population of about 10,699. The median age of residents is 21.7, skewing younger — often a sign of a college town or fast-growing area. The local poverty rate is 28.18%, above the national average of 12.4%.