Exeter, ME Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Exeter, ME Utility & Living Guide

Exeter is a cathedral city and the county town of Devon in South West England. It is situated on the River Exe, approximately 36 mi (58 km) northeast of Plymouth and 65 mi (105 km) southwest of Bristol.

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$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Exeter
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Exeter
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Exeter
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Exeter?

Moving to Exeter? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 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

Exeter Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Pine State Disposal
📶 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$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.35%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Exeter is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are limited, but affordable options can be found. The town has seen some new construction in recent years, adding to the available inventory.

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 Rate1.35%
<p>State 5.5% + No County tax + No 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

60

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 conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and retail
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, school funding, economic development
🚌 Transit for Families

Exeter has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Exeter Public Library
  • 🎯
    Swasey Park
  • 🎯
    Exeter Recreation Department

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of historic homes and newer construction, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and community events. The area around Swasey Park is also popular with families, with its playgrounds and sports fields.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Exeter has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and environmental protection

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Exeter — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Exeter tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are relatively stable, with some increase in water usage for lawn care and gardening.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The property tax millage rate in Exeter is 18.50, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: Exeter has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but they can be uneven and limited in some areas. The town has some parks and playgrounds, but they may not be easily accessible by stroller due to terrain and lack of elevators in some buildings.

📰 Latest ME Stories
Maine Living Report — July 27, 2026

Maine Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population hovering just under 1.37 million, Maine remains one of the most sparsely settled states east...

Read more →
Maine Living Report — July 26, 2026

Maine Living Report — July 26, 2026

For anyone dreaming of pine-scented air, rocky coastlines, and a slower pace of life, Maine presents a compelling...

Read more →
Maine Living Report — July 25, 2026

Maine Living Report — July 25, 2026

For anyone contemplating a move to Maine, the state offers a compelling blend of rugged coastline, dense forests,...

Read more →
Maine Living Report — July 24, 2026

Maine Living Report — July 24, 2026

For those considering a move to Maine, the state presents a complex and often contradictory picture. With a...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.