Ellsworth, ME vs South Eliot, ME
The cost of living difference between Ellsworth, ME and South Eliot, ME is dramatic. Ellsworth is 39.6% cheaper than South Eliot, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ellsworth has a cost index of 82 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 Ellsworth is $955/month compared to $2,088/month in South Eliot — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellsworth is more affordable at $214,500 median vs $437,800.
Median household income in Ellsworth is $70,990 compared to $96,705 in South Eliot (-26.6%). The higher salaries in South Eliot 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 25.9% in South Eliot.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45°F vs 47.1°F). South Eliot receives more rainfall at 47.8" per year compared to 41.7" in Ellsworth.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)