Belfast, ME vs Calais, ME

The cost of living difference between Belfast, ME and Calais, ME is dramatic. Calais is 30.7% cheaper than Belfast, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Belfast has a cost index of 91 while Calais sits at 69, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Belfast is $986/month compared to $815/month in Calais — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calais is more affordable at $111,800 median vs $307,700.

Median household income in Belfast is $61,322 compared to $48,654 in Calais (+26%). The higher salaries in Belfast partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Belfast spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.1% in Calais.

Climate-wise, Belfast is notably warmer with an average of 45°F compared to 40.7°F in Calais. Belfast receives more rainfall at 41.7" per year compared to 39.3" in Calais.