For one person, living costs in Augusta, ME are estimated at $2,388 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $35 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Augusta, ME actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $2,388 monthly including rent, or $1,067 excluding housing.
$2,388 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,317 with rent, or $1,799 without housing.
$3,317 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,246 including rent, or $2,530 for daily expenses alone.
$4,246 /mo
📊
Augusta, ME sits 50–75% above the global median across household types. Within North America, costs are 19% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.6K$29.6K
$27.1K$27.1K
$36.1K$36.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.3K$24.3K
$24.3K$24.3K
$26.8K$26.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$243$243
$133$133
$424$424
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$45.59$45.59
$30.06$30.06
$89.2$89.2
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$61.0$61.0
$26.27$26.27
$136$136
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$22.60$22.60
$15.06$15.06
$30.13$30.13
Cinema Ticket
$14.13$14.13
$12.98$12.98
$20.36$20.36
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$2,656$2,656
$1,990$1,990
$3,472$3,472
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$36.6K$36.6K
$28.0K$28.0K
$49.4K$49.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$73.5$73.5
$32.86$32.86
$99.6$99.6
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$50.9$50.9
$29.78$29.78
$99.3$99.3
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$113$113
$80.2$80.2
$150$150
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$154$154
$81.2$81.2
$304$304
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,200$1,200
$1,000$1,000
$1,399$1,399
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,078$1,078
$809$809
$1,314$1,314
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,602$1,602
$1,078$1,078
$2,217$2,217
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,473$1,473
$1,406$1,406
$1,606$1,606
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,386$2,386
$2,194$2,194
$2,493$2,493
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$2,378$2,378
$2,187$2,187
$2,485$2,485
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,948$1,948
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.3
6
7.58
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 24, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Augusta, ME$2,388
Augusta, ME$4,246
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.1K 45.2%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$413 17.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$349 14.6%
🍽Eating Out
$312 13%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$176 7.4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$51 2.1%
🚌Getting Around
$8.9 * 0.4%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.5K 34.7%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$967 22.8%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$395 9.3%
🍽Eating Out
$900 21.2%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$392 9.2%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$102 * 2.4%
🚌Getting Around
$18 * 0.4%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $1,200 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,078 outside the center. At 62% of the average salary ($1,948), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $1,948, while typical expenses reach $2,388. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.
🛒Expect to spend about $413 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $53 for two – well below the North American average of $78.
Cost Highlights
⭐Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America
⭐Imported beer is cheaper than 97% of cities in North America
⭐Rice is cheaper than 97% of cities in North America
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
Cost of Living in Augusta, ME - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Augusta, ME for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it a good value?
Augusta, ME tends to offer a favorable balance for those seeking stability without the sticker shock of larger cities. Travelers appreciate flexible lodging and compact living options, while expats often value safe, walkable streets and reliable services. The pace is slower than major hubs, which translates into lower everyday costs for meals, groceries, and basic necessities, especially if you choose to cook at home and shop locally. Seasonal tourism can push peak prices briefly, but off-peak periods maintain reasonable availability. Cost of Living in Augusta, ME, United States is generally more predictable than coastal metropolises, making it appealing for mid-term stays or remote work setups. Tip: Start with a short stay to test routines and neighborhoods.
What does daily life look like in Augusta for housing, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Housing options cluster around downtown and the river, with affordable apartments in older buildings and practical leases in student or municipal neighborhoods. Groceries, coffee shops, and casual dining cover different budgets, especially if you shop at farmers markets or plan meals ahead. Public transit options are reliable for short hops, and biking is common in milder months. For work, look to libraries, co-working spaces, and campus-area hubs that welcome remote workers. For daily errands, you’ll find most services within a short walk or drive. Augusta, ME, United States living cost remains manageable when you align housing size, transport, and meal planning. Tip: Map your week by season to catch price dips.
What are the best budgeting approaches, seasonal considerations, and neighborhood fits for Augusta to maximize quality of life?
For budgeting, use a simple framework like 50-30-20 or zero-based budgeting, focusing on housing, utilities, food, and leisure. Prioritize long-term stays in neighborhoods with easy access to services and transit; winter heating can tilt costs, while summers may bring higher activity and different prices for dining and events. Consider seasonal passes for museums, riverfront recreation, and public parks to stretch dollars. In terms quality of life, Augusta offers a compact, walkable center with safety and access to nature. Tip: test a few neighborhoods across seasons, track weekly spending, and set a recurring review to adjust plans.
Why is Augusta, ME so expensive compared to other cities?
Budget at least $2,388 per month to live in Augusta, ME once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
Is rent in Augusta, ME too high relative to local incomes?
With 62% of the average paycheck going to rent, Augusta, ME is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
Does the average salary in Augusta, ME cover rent and expenses?
An average salary of $1,948 doesn’t cover the $2,388 monthly cost of living in Augusta, ME for one person renting alone. Locals make it work with shared housing, a second income, or living with family – there’s little room for surprises at this income level.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Augusta, ME per month?
Where you live in Augusta, ME makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,200; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,078. Overall, the market runs from $1,078 to $1,200 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What should I budget for food in Augusta, ME?
Augusta, ME isn’t cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $413 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Augusta, ME?
At around $23 monthly, gym costs in Augusta, ME are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city’s overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Augusta, ME?
$3,000 stretches far in Augusta, ME – all-in monthly costs average only $2,388. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Why do digital nomads choose Augusta, ME?
Remote workers pick Augusta, ME for good reason: fast internet, family-friendly facilities, wellness scene, all at about $2,388 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.
Augusta, ME vs other spots: cost of living compared