Cost of Living in Rumford, ME

With a cost of living index of 64, Rumford, ME is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 36% cheaper than the national average and 23% below the Maine state average of 87. Rumford is a small community of 4,017 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Rumford's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $622 (53% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $115,300 (62% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.6x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Rumford is $32,240, which is 57% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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 Rumford. The area sees an average annual temperature of 41.4°F, with summers averaging 64°F and winters around 18°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches spread over roughly 168 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.