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Southwest Harbor, ME Utility & Living Guide
Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
—
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1100/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1400/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2000/mo |
| Median Home Price | $380,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.1% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Southwest Harbor is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a strong demand for rentals. The area is popular with tourists and seasonal residents, which can drive up prices. However, there are still affordable options available for year-round residents.
Cost of Living
110
+10% above national average
105
95
102
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 5.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.1% |
| <p>State 5.5% + no county or city sales tax</p> | |
Maine state income tax ranges from 5.2% to 7.95%, with a top marginal rate of 7.95% applying to income above $50,000.
Family & Relocation
40
7.5/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
Southwest Harbor has limited public transportation, but the Island Explorer bus system provides access to nearby towns and attractions, with some stroller-friendly routes.
- Acadia National Park
- Southwest Harbor Public Library
- Wendell Gilley Museum
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Southwest Harbor based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Southwest Harbor has regulations in place to protect its natural environment and preserve its character, including zoning ordinances and environmental protections.
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
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Southwest Harbor — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Southwest Harbor fluctuate seasonally, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating oil bills in the winter. However, the area's mild climate means that extreme temperature fluctuations are rare.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The ZIP code 04679 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5, with no local surtaxes.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
6, with explanation: Southwest Harbor has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but they can be limited in some areas, and park access is generally good, with some playgrounds and green spaces available.
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