Cost of Living in Washburn, ME

With a cost of living index of 56, Washburn, ME is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 44% cheaper than the national average and 31% below the Maine state average of 87. Washburn is a small community of 958 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Washburn's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $433 (67% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $89,600 (71% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Washburn is $39,688, which is 47% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% 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 Washburn. The area sees an average annual temperature of 40.7°F, with summers averaging 64°F and winters around 15°F. Annual rainfall totals 40.7 inches spread over roughly 161 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.