Bass Harbor, ME Utility & Living Guide

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Bass Harbor, ME Utility & Living Guide

Living in Bass Harbor, ME offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm on Mount Desert Island

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax5.5%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$380,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Bass Harbor
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Emera Maine
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Bass Harbor Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Tremont Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$380,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Bass Harbor is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a strong demand for rentals. Many homes have stunning views of the surrounding islands and waterways. Prices tend to be higher than in other parts of Maine due to the area’s popularity with tourists and seasonal residents.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

95

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.5%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 5.5% + no county or city tax</p>

Maine has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 5.2% to 7.95%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, environmental protection, and infrastructure development
🚌 Transit for Families

The Island Explorer bus system provides convenient and stroller-friendly transportation throughout the area, including to popular destinations like Acadia National Park

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Abbe Museum
  • 🎯
    Acadia National Park
  • 🎯
    Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The village of Bass Harbor is a popular area for families, with its charming shops and restaurants, and easy access to the harbor and surrounding parks. The nearby town of Tremont also offers a range of family-friendly amenities and activities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Bass Harbor based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Strict zoning laws and environmental regulations protect the area’s natural beauty and character

Bass Harbor's economy is driven by tourism, with a growing number of visitors each year, and a strong demand for seasonal rentals and vacation homes. The area is also seeing an increase in remote workers and entrepreneurs, drawn by the area's natural beauty and relaxed pace of life.

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📊 Bass Harbor — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Bass Harbor tend to be higher in the winter months, when heating is needed, and lower in the summer, when cooling demands are minimal. However, the area's mild climate means that energy costs are generally lower than in other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 04653 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, easy access to parks and playgrounds, and a relatively flat terrain, making it easy to get around with a stroller

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