Cost of Living in Alfred, ME

With a cost of living index of 89, Alfred, ME is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 11% cheaper than the national average and 3% above the Maine state average of 87. Alfred is a small community of 696 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Alfred's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $764 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $359,800 (18% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 11.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Alfred is $32,476, which is 57% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Alfred. The area sees an average annual temperature of 47.7°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 27°F. Annual rainfall totals 41.2 inches spread over roughly 139 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Portland-South Portland, ME (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.