Bangor, ME, US
Stephen King's hometown with the Paul Bunyan statue and gateway to Acadia.
Overview
Bangor is a city in ME with a population of 32,000. Stephen King’s hometown with the Paul Bunyan statue and gateway to Acadia. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively high.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Bangor vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 7.2%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $59,942
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 32,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 185/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 10°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 200 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: $240,000
- 1BR Rent: $1050/mo
Cost of Living
Bangor's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).
| Category | Bangor | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 98 | 100 | -2.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $240,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1050/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,313/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $160 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bangor:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $177 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $183 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $495 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Bangor scores 60/100 for remote work readiness:
Walkability
How easy it is to get around Bangor without a car, based on the EPA National Walkability Index.
Source: EPA National Walkability Index (2021)
Climate
Bangor has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F | 10°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 25°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 28°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Bangor faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Penobscot River flooding.
Mountainous region with avalanches.
Rarely affected by hurricanes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 7.15%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
- Property Tax: ~1.36% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Bangor per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Bangor is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bangor, ME, US?
The cost of living index in Bangor is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bangor?
The median home price in Bangor is $240,000. The housing index is 98.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bangor is approximately $1050/mo.
Does Bangor, ME have income tax?
Bangor is in ME, which has an income tax rate of 7.15%.
What is the climate like in Bangor?
Bangor enjoys approximately 185 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 10°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: October 23, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.