City Comparison
Brunswick vs York
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
York scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brunswick
York
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Brunswick is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
31% lower than in York.
Housing costs are a major driver: Brunswick's average rent is
39% lower than York's.
| Metric | Brunswick | York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $2,700 | -39% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,570 | $3,700 | -31% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
York offers 2% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, York delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Brunswick is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in York.
| Metric | Brunswick | York |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,952 idx | 68,421 idx |
| Household Income | $74,952 | $121,250 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
York runs warmer on average — a 20°F difference year-round.
Winter severity differs too — Brunswick sees 44.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brunswick | York |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.90°F | 66.90°F |
| Summer High | 77.10°F | 90.50°F |
| Winter Low | 12.90°F | 39.10°F |
| Rainfall | 40.30 in | 38.20 in |
| Snowfall | 47.30 in | 2.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | 251 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Brunswick has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to York.
York scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Brunswick leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Brunswick | York |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Brunswick is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of York.
From a growth perspective, Brunswick is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, York has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brunswick | York |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,336 | 13,986 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.28% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 49.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 2.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brunswick
Advantages
Median household income stands at $74,952, outperforming many non-metropolitan areas in Maine.
Direct Amtrak Downeaster rail service connects downtown Brunswick directly to Boston.
Thriving innovation economy and job growth centered around the redeveloped Brunswick Landing campus.
Exceptional public safety with crime rates significantly below the national average.
Rich cultural and educational amenities driven by the presence of Bowdoin College.
Drawbacks
Housing inventory is tight, putting upward pressure on local rental and home purchase prices.
High heating and electricity utility costs during severe New England winters.
Modest public transit infrastructure outside of the downtown core and rail connection.
Property taxes can be burdensome for fixed-income residents and retirees.
Winter weather brings heavy snowfall averaging over 47 inches annually.
York
Advantages
York offers a high quality of life with beautiful beaches and a strong sense of community.
The town is considered safe, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average.
York's housing market, while appreciating, offers opportunities for both buyers and sellers, with a strong preference for homeownership.
The median household income in York is substantially higher than the national average, indicating economic stability.
York enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine throughout the year, with over 2,400 hours annually.
Drawbacks
The cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the national average.
York's economy is heavily influenced by seasonal tourism, which can lead to fluctuations in employment and business activity.
Transportation is primarily car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The median age is higher than the national average, suggesting a potentially slower-paced lifestyle that may not appeal to all demographics.
While generally safe, property crime rates are still a consideration for residents.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Brunswick
#162Maine, USA
64.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
46.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.28%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
79
Business
70
York
#79Maine, USA
68.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,700
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
66.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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