Durham, ME Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Durham, ME Utility & Living Guide

Living in Durham, ME offers a tranquil and picturesque environment with easy access to outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax5.5%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Durham
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Central Maine Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Durham Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.35%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Durham is characterized by a mix of older and newer homes, with a growing demand for residential properties. The town has seen an increase in new construction and renovation projects in recent years. However, the market remains relatively affordable compared to other areas in the state.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

92

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.5%
Property Tax Rate1.35%
<p>State 5.5% + No County or City tax</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, education, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, road maintenance, and preserving natural resources
🚌 Transit for Families

Durham has limited public transportation options, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Durham Community Park
  • 🎯
    Androscoggin River
  • 🎯
    and the nearby Maine Wildlife Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of older and newer homes, with easy access to local amenities and outdoor recreation. The town's rural areas also offer a more secluded and peaceful living environment, with larger properties and a stronger sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Durham has regulations in place to protect its natural resources and preserve its rural character, including zoning ordinances and environmental protections.

Durham's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and tourism, with a growing trend towards remote work and entrepreneurship. The town is also seeing an increase in new businesses and developments, particularly in the downtown area.

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📊 Durham — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Durham tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with an average increase of 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a decrease in utility costs, with an average decrease of 10-20% from June to August.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 04222 has a property tax millage rate of 18.5, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Durham has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but the town's rural areas can be challenging to navigate with a stroller, and some areas lack elevator access in transit and family infrastructure.

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