Newport, ME vs Southwest Harbor, ME

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Newport is 24.3% cheaper than Southwest Harbor. With a cost index of 73 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Newport to Southwest Harbor should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Newport is $896/month compared to $903/month in Southwest Harbor — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Newport is more affordable at $162,800 median vs $407,700.

Median household income in Newport is $42,740 compared to $31,518 in Southwest Harbor (+35.6%). Newport offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Newport spend roughly 25.2% of their income on rent, less than the 34.4% in Southwest Harbor. The Newport ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45°F vs 45°F). Southwest Harbor receives more rainfall at 41.7" per year compared to 41.7" in Newport.