Fort Kent, ME vs Gardiner, ME

Fort Kent is moderately more affordable than Gardiner, with a 10.3% lower cost of living index. Fort Kent scores 71 compared to 80 for Gardiner, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Gardiner can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Kent is $820/month compared to $927/month in Gardiner — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Kent is more affordable at $137,000 median vs $198,100.

Median household income in Fort Kent is $58,750 compared to $58,152 in Gardiner (+1%). Fort Kent offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Kent spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 19.1% in Gardiner.

Climate-wise, Gardiner is notably warmer with an average of 46.1°F compared to 40.1°F in Fort Kent. Gardiner receives more rainfall at 41.8" per year compared to 32.9" in Fort Kent.