Cost of Living in York County, Maine
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How York County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
York County ranks #1,918 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in York County, Maine
York's Premium Prices, Supported Incomes
York County renters spend 17.9% of income on rent, above Maine's state average but driven by both high housing costs and strong median household income of $82,904 (11% above the U.S. average). This coastal-adjacent premium market balances expensive rents with wages sufficient to absorb them.
York Leads Maine in Absolute Prices
At 17.9%, York's rent-to-income ratio places it near the middle of Maine's affordability rankings, but its median rent of $1,239 and home values of $357,200 are the highest statewide. Strong household incomes of $82,904 offset these premium prices, but York remains the state's most expensive market.
York Dominates Regional Price Charts
York's median rent of $1,239 is $242 higher than Sagadahoc County ($1,050) and $471 above Oxford ($807). Home values at $357,200 dwarf every other county—$57,000 more than Sagadahoc's $300,200—reflecting York's status as Maine's most sought-after residential market.
Maine's Highest Costs, Highest Incomes
Renters here pay $1,239 monthly on a median income of $82,904, consuming 17.9% of earnings. Homeowners face the steepest $1,470 monthly mortgage payments in the state, but the county's wage premium makes these costs proportionally manageable.
York for Well-Compensated Relocators
If you're moving to Maine with a household income above $80,000, York offers coastal access and strong job markets despite premium housing costs. This is Maine's economic engine—worth the higher prices if you have the income to match.
Cost of Living Advisory: York County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in York County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,239/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in York County is $1,239/month, while owner costs run $1,470/month. Renting saves approximately $231/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $49,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $63,000/year. With a median household income of $82,904, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in York County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Maine, York County is more affordable than Knox County by roughly 15% ($1,239/mo vs $1,079/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in York County
Rent Burden
17.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,934
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.3%
of gross income
The median home in York County may be a stretch
Median home value is $357,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,852 vs. your max of $1,934.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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