Calais, ME vs West Kennebunk, ME

The cost of living difference between Calais, ME and West Kennebunk, ME is dramatic. Calais is 43.2% cheaper than West Kennebunk, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Calais has a cost index of 69 while West Kennebunk sits at 122, 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 $1,426/month in West Kennebunk — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calais is more affordable at $111,800 median vs $514,700.

Median household income in Calais is $48,654 compared to $101,761 in West Kennebunk (-52.2%). While West Kennebunk 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 16.8% in West Kennebunk.

Climate-wise, West Kennebunk is notably warmer with an average of 47.7°F compared to 40.7°F in Calais. West Kennebunk receives more rainfall at 41.2" per year compared to 39.3" in Calais.