Calais, ME vs Wiscasset, ME

The cost of living difference between Calais, ME and Wiscasset, ME is dramatic. Calais is 33.7% cheaper than Wiscasset, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Calais has a cost index of 69 while Wiscasset sits at 104, 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 $1,517/month in Wiscasset — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calais is more affordable at $111,800 median vs $281,700.

Median household income in Calais is $48,654 compared to $91,477 in Wiscasset (-46.8%). While Wiscasset 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 19.9% in Wiscasset.

Climate-wise, Wiscasset is notably warmer with an average of 45.9°F compared to 40.7°F in Calais. Wiscasset receives more rainfall at 46.7" per year compared to 39.3" in Calais.