Jay, ME Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Jay, ME Utility & Living Guide

Living in Jay, 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$900/mo
Sales Tax5.5%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Jay
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Jay
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Jay
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Jay?

Moving to Jay? 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

Jay Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.35%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Jay is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and prices have increased in recent years due to demand. Homeowners can expect to pay around 1.35% of their home’s value in property taxes annually.

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

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.5%
Property Tax Rate1.35%
<p>State 5.5% + no county or city sales tax</p>

Maine state income tax rates range from 5.2% to 7.95%, with deductions available for residents.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/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 in manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, environmental conservation, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Jay has limited public transportation, but sidewalks and parks are generally stroller-friendly, with some areas having elevator access.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Jay-Niles Memorial Library
  • 🎯
    Spruce Mountain Ski Resort
  • 🎯
    Androscoggin River

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The areas around Jay Village and the Androscoggin River offer a mix of historic homes, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities, making them popular with families. Other neighborhoods, such as those near Spruce Mountain, offer more rural settings and access to skiing and hiking trails.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Jay has ordinances regulating noise, zoning, and waste management, and residents are encouraged to recycle and conserve water.

Jay's economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, with a growing focus on sustainable energy and outdoor recreation. As a result, the town is experiencing moderate growth and investment in local infrastructure.

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.

📊 Jay — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Jay fluctuate by season, with higher electricity bills in winter due to heating and higher water bills in summer due to lawn irrigation and outdoor recreation. Residents can expect to pay around 20-30% more for utilities during peak winter months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 04239 has a property tax millage rate of 18.5, with no local surtaxes specific to Jay county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Jay's sidewalks and parks are generally well-maintained, but some areas lack elevator access in transit, and family infrastructure, such as playgrounds and public restrooms, could be improved.

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.