Cost of Living in Kittery, ME

With a cost of living index of 114, Kittery, ME is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 14% more expensive than the national average and 28% above the Maine state average of 87. Kittery is a smaller community of 5,284 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kittery's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,431 (8% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $421,400 (38% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Kittery is $71,574, which is 5% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 Kittery. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.9°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 47 inches spread over roughly 146 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.