Calais, ME vs Damariscotta, ME
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Calais is 29.3% cheaper than Damariscotta. With a cost index of 69 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Calais to Damariscotta should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Calais is $815/month compared to $1,016/month in Damariscotta — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calais is more affordable at $111,800 median vs $387,200.
Median household income in Calais is $48,654 compared to $63,696 in Damariscotta (-23.6%). The higher salaries in Damariscotta partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Calais spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, more than the 19.1% in Damariscotta.
Climate-wise, Damariscotta is notably warmer with an average of 45.9°F compared to 40.7°F in Calais. Damariscotta receives more rainfall at 46.7" per year compared to 39.3" in Calais.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)