Washington
114.6
composite · rank #42
- Housing
- 123.1
- Grocery
- 106.1
- Utilities
- 99.4
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Washington vs Maine Cost of Living
Washington and Maine share nearly the same composite index (114.6). Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Washington and Maine are close
Both benchmark near 114.6.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Maine
114.6
composite · rank #42
- Housing
- 134.8
- Grocery
- 101.6
- Utilities
- 124.6
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Washington | Maine | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 106.1 | 101.6 | Maine |
| Housing | 123.1 | 134.8 | Washington |
| Utilities | 99.4 | 124.6 | Washington |
| Transportation | 131.2 | 104.4 | Maine |
| Health care | 110.3 | 114.7 | Washington |
| Misc. goods & services | 111 | 102.7 | Maine |
Grocery
Washington106.1
Maine101.6
Lower cost: Maine
Housing
Washington123.1
Maine134.8
Lower cost: Washington
Utilities
Washington99.4
Maine124.6
Lower cost: Washington
Transportation
Washington131.2
Maine104.4
Lower cost: Maine
Health care
Washington110.3
Maine114.7
Lower cost: Washington
Misc. goods & services
Washington111
Maine102.7
Lower cost: Maine
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Maine | Needed in Washington |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| $75,000 | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| $150,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Maine$50,000
In Washington$50,000
$75,000 origin salary
In Maine$75,000
In Washington$75,000
$100,000 origin salary
In Maine$100,000
In Washington$100,000
$150,000 origin salary
In Maine$150,000
In Washington$150,000
Housing gap
Washington housing is 123.1; Maine is 134.8.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Washington is roughly $100,000 in Maine.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Washington vs Maine cost of living FAQs
Washington and Maine have nearly the same composite cost-of-living index (114.6). The composite indexes are 114.6 in Washington and 114.6 in Maine (US average = 100).
About $100,000 in Maine would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Washington, based on the composite indexes.
About $100,000 in Washington would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Maine.
Housing indexes are 123.1 in Washington and 134.8 in Maine. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Their composite indexes are close; compare local housing, wages, taxes, and services before deciding.
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Compare another pair
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.