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Scarborough, ME Utility & Living Guide
Scarborough is a town in Cumberland County on the southern coast of the U.S. state of Maine. Located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Portland, Scarborough is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The population was 22,135 at the 2020 census, making it the
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
—
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1400/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1800/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2400/mo |
| Median Home Price | $430,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.35% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Scarborough is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Prices have been rising in recent years due to the town’s desirable location and good schools. Rentals are also in high demand, particularly during the summer months.
Cost of Living
118
+18% above national average
105
94
102
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 5.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.35% |
| <p>State 5.5% + no county or city sales tax</p> | |
Maine state income tax rates range from 5.2% to 7.95%, with a top marginal rate of 7.95% applying to income above $50,000.
Family & Relocation
60
7.5/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
Scarborough has a limited public transportation system, but its downtown area is relatively stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and accessible shops and restaurants.
- Scarborough Beach
- Winslow Park
- Maine Audubon Society
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Scarborough based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Scarborough has regulations regarding short-term rentals, and residents are required to obtain permits for certain home improvements.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
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📊 Scarborough — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Scarborough tend to be higher in the winter months, when heating is needed, and lower in the summer, when cooling demands are minimal. However, the town's coastal location means that temperatures are generally milder than in inland areas, which can help reduce energy costs.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The 04074 ZIP code has a property tax millage rate of 18.5, with no local surtaxes.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
Score 7: Scarborough's downtown area has good sidewalk quality and park access, but its public transportation system is limited, and not all areas of town are equally stroller-friendly.
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