Cost of Living in Washington County, Maine

$768/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$147,100
Median Home Value
21% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$768/mo
21% below state average
Median Home Value
$147,100
48% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
31.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Washington County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Washington County$768/mo
Maine Average$969/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$768/mo
Median Gross Rent
$147,100
Median Home Value
$724/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
31.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Washington County, Maine

Washington County: Remotely Affordable

Washington County renters spend 17.6% of income on rent, hovering just above Maine's state average of 17.4% and well below national levels. With the state's lowest median household income at $52,237, the county achieves affordability through proportionally low housing costs scaled to its rural economy.

Washington Offers Unbeatable Housing Prices

At 17.6%, Washington County's rent-to-income ratio is above the state average but barely—kept reasonable by the lowest median rents and home values in Maine. This easternmost county delivers the absolute lowest affordability barrier for price-sensitive relocators.

Washington Leads on Rock-Bottom Costs

Washington's median rent of $768 is the cheapest in the state—$39 below Piscataquis and $102 below Oxford. Home values at $147,100 are the lowest in Maine, making this remote region unbeatable for buyers with tight budgets.

Lowest Costs, Lowest Income Trade-off

Renters spend $768 monthly on a median income of $52,237, consuming 17.6% of household earnings. Homeowners pay just $724 in mortgage costs, but the county's low wage base means absolute affordability masks limited economic opportunity.

Washington: For Intentional Rural Living

Washington County offers Maine's lowest housing costs and rents—ideal if you have remote income, retirement savings, or portable work. This is the affordability frontier for relocators willing to embrace true rural Maine in exchange for maximum housing stability on any budget.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County

$

Rent Burden

17.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,219

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.6%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Washington County

Median home value is $147,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,174 vs. your max of $1,219.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.6%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Washington County, Maine?
Washington County, Maine has a median monthly rent of $768/mo and a median home value of $147,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Washington County?
The median gross rent in Washington County is $768/mo. This is 21% below state average for Maine.
Is Washington County affordable?
Washington County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Washington County's rent compare to the state average?
Washington County's median rent of $768/mo is 21% below state average of $969/mo for Maine.
What is the median home value in Washington County?
The median home value in Washington County, Maine is $147,100. This is 48% below the national median home value of $281,900.
Sponsored

Planning a Move?

Researching the cost of living in Washington County, Maine? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.

Compare Moving Quotes

Counties with Similar Housing Costs

Sponsored

Compare Mortgage Rates in Washington County

Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.