Calais, ME vs Topsham, ME

The cost of living difference between Calais, ME and Topsham, ME is dramatic. Calais is 31.6% cheaper than Topsham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Calais has a cost index of 69 while Topsham sits at 101, 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 Calais is $815/month compared to $1,211/month in Topsham — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calais is more affordable at $111,800 median vs $341,800.

Median household income in Calais is $48,654 compared to $80,545 in Topsham (-39.6%). While Topsham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Calais spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, more than the 18% in Topsham.

Climate-wise, Topsham is notably warmer with an average of 45.7°F compared to 40.7°F in Calais. Topsham receives more rainfall at 50" per year compared to 39.3" in Calais.