B-
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
2%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Sanford Maine National
Cost of living106102100
Goods & Services109109100
Groceries102102100
Health care103103100
Housing10292100
Transportation109109100
Utilities107107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Sanford, ME

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Sanford 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 Sanford is 106, which is 6% 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.

The cost of living in Sanford is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Sanford Affordable?

Is Sanford 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 Sanford is 4.5% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 4.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Sanford has a median household income of $58,294, which is 5.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sanford?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Sanford, the housing index is 1.9% higher than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Sanford, the transportation index is 9% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Sanford, healthcare costs are 2.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Sanford cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sanford is 3% higher than the Maine average
  • The cost of living in Sanford is 6% higher than the national average
  • Sanford housing is 2% 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 Sanford

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Compare Sanford, ME Cost of Living

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      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$78,081$6,507$1,822$2,343
      Renters$32,744$2,729$764$982
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Sanford, ME, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Sanford have a median income of $78,081. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,822 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $32,744, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $764.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.67$24.2618.2%
      Beauty Salon $53.03$45.5616.4%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.3%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.9%
      Movie $13.07$12.137.7%
      Bowling $17.76$18.001.4%

      Groceries

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.41$5.847.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.43$1.578.9%
      Milk $4.75$4.671.7%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.3%
      Pizza $11.93$12.091.3%
      Beer $10.22$10.411.9%

      Health Care

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $170.67$125.6835.8%
      Doctor $146.50$135.787.9%
      Dentist $119.58$113.295.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.72$10.650.7%
      Lipitor $372.90$468.6020.4%

      Housing

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Home Price $193,100.00$184,700.004.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,456.69$2,346.694.7%
      Apartment Rent $907.00$949.004.4%

      Transportation

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.52$3.461.7%
      Tire Balancing $76.01$59.9226.8%

      Utilities

      Item Sanford National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $218.65$193.9912.7%
      Phone $185.73$192.253.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Union, NH2421077.1%
      Milton, NH5371033.4%
      Alfred, ME9971043.8%
      Farmington, NH4,14011211.6%
      Rochester, NH31,30511312.9%
      Sanford, ME21,1661065.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sapulpa, OK21,1708811.9%
      Piqua, OH21,1598812.4%
      Sun Valley, NV21,1791022.1%
      Easley, SC21,149954.7%
      East Ridge, TN21,1878812.1%
      Sanford, ME21,1661065.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.