Belfast, ME vs Waterville, ME

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waterville is 15.1% cheaper than Belfast. With a cost index of 79 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waterville to Belfast should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Belfast is $986/month compared to $957/month in Waterville — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waterville is more affordable at $173,700 median vs $307,700.

Median household income in Belfast is $61,322 compared to $47,489 in Waterville (+29.1%). While Belfast is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Belfast spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, less than the 24.2% in Waterville.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45°F vs 46.1°F). Waterville receives more rainfall at 41.8" per year compared to 41.7" in Belfast.