Caribou, ME vs South Eliot, ME

The cost of living difference between Caribou, ME and South Eliot, ME is dramatic. Caribou is 51.1% cheaper than South Eliot, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Caribou has a cost index of 66 while South Eliot sits at 136, 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 Caribou is $696/month compared to $2,088/month in South Eliot — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Caribou is more affordable at $120,300 median vs $437,800.

Median household income in Caribou is $54,271 compared to $96,705 in South Eliot (-43.9%). The higher salaries in South Eliot partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Caribou spend roughly 15.4% of their income on rent, less than the 25.9% in South Eliot.

Climate-wise, South Eliot is notably warmer with an average of 47.1°F compared to 40.7°F in Caribou. South Eliot receives more rainfall at 47.8" per year compared to 40.7" in Caribou.