Cost of Living in Bangor, ME

An Overview of Cost of Living in Bangor, ME

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Bangor 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 Bangor is 101, which is 1% 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.

In Bangor, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Bangor will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Bangor?

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 Affordable?

Wondering if Bangor is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Bangor, for example, the median home price is 16% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12.1% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Bangor boasting a median household income of $47,538, which is 14.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bangor?

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.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Bangor, the housing index is 14.8% lower than the national average.

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 Bangor, the groceries index is 1.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bangor 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.