City Comparison
York vs Lewiston
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
York scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
York
Lewiston
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Lewiston is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
42% lower than in York.
Housing costs are a major driver: York's average rent is
116% higher than Lewiston's.
| Metric | York | Lewiston | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,700 | $1,250 | +116% |
| Groceries | $450 | $380 | +18% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $110 | +9% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $220 | +14% |
| Monthly Total | $3,700 | $2,140 | +73% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
York offers 12% higher 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 York is estimated at
$55,000 vs $50,000 in Lewiston.
| Metric | York | Lewiston |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $58,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 61,702 idx |
| Household Income | $121,250 | $53,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
York runs warmer on average — a 20.6°F difference year-round.
Winter severity differs too — Lewiston sees 51.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | York | Lewiston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.90°F | 46.30°F |
| Summer High | 90.50°F | 78.20°F |
| Winter Low | 39.10°F | 11.80°F |
| Rainfall | 38.20 in | 38.00 in |
| Snowfall | 2.60 in | 53.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | 260 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Lewiston has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to York.
York scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, York leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | York | Lewiston |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lewiston is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of York.
From a growth perspective, York 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 | York | Lewiston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,986 | 38,484 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 49.5 | 38.5 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 3.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Lewiston
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average and southern New England standards.
Strong healthcare infrastructure anchored by major employers like Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.
Rich cultural diversity and a vibrant downtown revitalization effort bringing new restaurants, arts, and local businesses.
Proximity to outdoor recreation, including the Androscoggin River, local parks, and easy access to Maine's lakes and mountains.
Presence of prestigious higher education institutions like Bates College, contributing to community enrichment and local events.
Drawbacks
Long, harsh winter weather with significant snowfall and high seasonal home heating costs.
Property tax rates in Androscoggin County can be relatively high compared to other municipalities.
Certain urban core neighborhoods face socio-economic challenges, elevated poverty rates, and pockets of property crime.
Local wage growth has historically lagged behind coastal economic hubs in Maine and Massachusetts.
Public transit options are somewhat limited, making car ownership practically essential for daily commuting and errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Lewiston
#431Maine, USA
56.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
260/yr
Avg Temp
46.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
72
Business
66
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