Scarborough, ME Utility & Living Guide

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Scarborough, ME Utility & Living Guide

Living in Scarborough, ME offers a unique blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience just outside of Portland.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax5.5%
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$430,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Scarborough
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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

Scarborough Water District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Pine Point Waste
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$430,000
Property Tax Rate1.35%
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

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+18% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

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 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

Family Vibe Score
8/10
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 description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, technology, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Scarborough has a limited public transportation system, but its downtown area is relatively stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and accessible shops and restaurants.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Scarborough Beach
  • 🎯
    Winslow Park
  • 🎯
    Maine Audubon Society

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Oak Hill and Pine Point neighborhoods are popular with families, offering a mix of older and newer homes, good schools, and easy access to parks and beaches. The downtown area is also a desirable location, with its shops, restaurants, and community events.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Scarborough has regulations regarding short-term rentals, and residents are required to obtain permits for certain home improvements.

Scarborough's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, technology, and tourism. The town is also seeing growth in its commercial sector, with new businesses and developments emerging along its main thoroughfares.

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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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