Ellsworth, ME vs Saco, ME
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ellsworth is 22.2% cheaper than Saco. With a cost index of 82 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ellsworth to Saco should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Ellsworth is $955/month compared to $1,268/month in Saco — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellsworth is more affordable at $214,500 median vs $370,300.
Median household income in Ellsworth is $70,990 compared to $84,328 in Saco (-15.8%). The higher salaries in Saco partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellsworth spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, less than the 18% in Saco.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45°F vs 47.5°F). Saco receives more rainfall at 48.1" per year compared to 41.7" in Ellsworth.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)