Brewer, ME vs Houlton, ME

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Houlton is 19.2% cheaper than Brewer. With a cost index of 67 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Houlton to Brewer should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brewer is $984/month compared to $719/month in Houlton — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Houlton is more affordable at $121,700 median vs $218,100.

Median household income in Brewer is $51,490 compared to $52,227 in Houlton (-1.4%). Houlton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Brewer spend roughly 22.9% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Houlton.

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