Cost of Living in Bar Harbor, ME

With a cost of living index of 108, Bar Harbor, ME is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 8% more expensive than the national average and 21% above the Maine state average of 87. Bar Harbor is a small community of 2,311 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bar Harbor's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,084 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $479,600 (57% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.6x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Bar Harbor is $72,750, which is 3% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Bar Harbor. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 22°F. Annual rainfall totals 41.7 inches spread over roughly 134 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.