Best Cities for Data Scientists in Maine
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $100,000 salary
Maine has 3 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For data scientists earning around $100,000 annually, Bangor stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 56.1 and $60,639 left after taxes and rent. 2 cities in Maine sit below the national average cost of living, giving data scientists more purchasing power per dollar earned. Portland is the priciest metro at 119.4 on the index, 63 points above Bangor.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangor | 56.1 | $1,659 |
| 2 | Lewiston-Auburn | 94.8 | $1,586 |
| 3 | Portland | 119.4 | $2,130 |
Net income = $100,000 salary − federal & Maine state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $100,000 salary for data scientists who analyze data and build predictive models, after applying 2026 federal and Maine state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Maine for data scientists?
Bangor is the most affordable city in Maine for data scientists, with a cost-of-living index of 56.1 (national average = 100). On a $100,000 salary, you'd have approximately $60,639 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do data scientists earn in Maine?
Data Scientists in Maine earn around $100,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $21,504 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Maine cities?
Across 3 metro areas in Maine, the average cost-of-living index is 90 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Bangor at 56.1, while Portland is the most expensive at 119.4—a difference of 63 index points.
Other Rankings in Maine
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