Income Needed to Buy a Home in Maine (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $115,341/year (#13 least affordable of 51 US states)
Maine ranks #13 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $407,566 requires a household income of about $115,341. That's $38,899 more than the median household actually earns ($76,442) — a shortfall of 51% of typical income.
Maine's affordability ratio of 1.51 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 18.1% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 17.6% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.94% adds $319 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,219/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,691.
Maine monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $407,566 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $366,809 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,270 |
| Monthly property tax (0.94% rate) | $319 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $102 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,691 |
| Required household income | $115,341 |
| Median household income | $76,442 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Maine compares
- New Hampshire — similar affordability (ratio 1.51, requires $150,387)
- Utah — similar affordability (ratio 1.47, requires $142,010)
- Florida — similar affordability (ratio 1.55, requires $120,466)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Maine in 2026?
About $115,341 per year to afford the median-priced home of $407,566, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Maine household earns $76,442.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Maine?
Roughly $2,691 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Maine affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $38,899 (51%), ranking Maine #13 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.