City Profile
Biddeford, Maine
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Biddeford, Maine, a city with a rich industrial past, is experiencing a revitalization, transforming its historic mill buildings into vibrant spaces for businesses, residences, and cultural attractions. Located along the Saco River and close to the Atlantic coastline, Biddeford offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city attracts new residents with its growing downtown, community spirit, and relatively accessible real estate market compared to some other New England areas. Its strategic location provides convenient access to larger cities like Portland while maintaining its distinct small-city charm.
Maine, known for its rugged coastline and vast forests, offers a lifestyle that prioritizes a slower pace and access to nature. The economy is diverse, with major industries including forest products, marine/aquaculture, food/agriculture, outdoor recreation, and manufacturing, alongside growing sectors like life sciences. While the cost of living is generally moderate compared to other New England states, housing costs can be higher in popular coastal areas like Portland. The climate features warm, sometimes humid summers and long, cold, and very snowy winters, especially inland, with coastal areas experiencing slightly milder temperatures.
How this 49/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 48 / 100 | 48.0 | 30% | 14.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 122.0 | 16.3 | 25% | 4.1 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $72,333 Income needed to live here: $87,960 Unemployment rate: 3% | 45.1 | 20% | 9.0 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 4.5% | 100.0 | 15% | 15.0 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 49.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=95 ✓ perfect), last refreshed
23 July 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Biddeford, Maine, is notably higher than the national average, estimated to be 22% above the U.S. national average in 2026. This elevated cost is primarily driven by soaring housing expenses, which are 4.1% higher than the national average for a single person's monthly housing costs. While food expenses are also slightly above average, transportation and healthcare costs are reported to be lower than the national average for an individual. Despite these variations, the overall expenditure makes Biddeford one of Maine's more expensive cities.
Monthly expenses for a single person in Biddeford are estimated at $2,393, while a family of four can expect to spend around $5,273, excluding rent. The primary drivers pushing costs up include the demand for housing and the general economic landscape of the region. However, the city's ongoing development and quality of life are often cited as factors that balance these higher costs for residents.
Income
Salary Insights
Biddeford's economy is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with Education, Health Care and Social Services, Manufacturing, and Retail being the top employers in 2024. The city benefits from a strong presence in these sectors, providing numerous job opportunities for its residents. For instance, Education accounts for 3,328 jobs, while Health Care and Social Services provide 3,154 jobs.
The broader Maine economy has shown positive trends, with private-sector jobs growing by 4.5% between 2019 and 2024. New business applications in Maine also saw an increase of 4.5% through May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a dynamic entrepreneurial climate. While specific job growth rates for Biddeford itself are not readily available, the state-level growth suggests a generally favorable environment. The average annual salary in Biddeford was reported as $67,565 in 2026.
The average salary in Biddeford is $67,565 per year. You would need approximately $87,960 to live comfortably.
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Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Getting around Biddeford primarily relies on personal vehicles, as indicated by the average commute time of 23.7 minutes for workers between 2020 and 2024. Most residents drive alone to work, and car ownership is comparable to the national average, with about two cars per household.
While public transportation options are limited, the city does offer some walkability, with a Walk Score estimated around 45. This means some errands can be accomplished on foot, particularly in the downtown areas. However, for broader travel and daily needs outside the central core, car dependency remains high.
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Community Q&A
Questions about Biddeford
What people ask about living in and moving to Biddeford, Maine.
How does the cost of living in Biddeford compare to the national average?
Biddeford’s cost‑of‑living index is 122, meaning expenses are about 22 % higher than the national average of 100. Housing is the biggest driver, with an average rent of $2,199 per month, which is above the U.S. median. The average household salary in the city is $67,565 per year, roughly in line with national figures, but the higher rent and other price differences mean you may need to allocate a larger portion of yo...
What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Biddeford?
The city’s average rent across all unit sizes is $2,199 per month. One‑bedroom apartments in central areas tend to be close to that average, while larger units or those farther from the core may be slightly lower. Rental listings on regional housing websites and the city’s housing authority portal provide current market rates. Be prepared for utilities and parking fees on top of the base rent, and consider checking m...
What are the main industries hiring in Biddeford?
Biddeford’s economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. The city’s industrial parks host a range of production facilities, while service‑oriented jobs are common in the downtown commercial corridor and surrounding retail centers. Job seekers can browse postings on statewide employment portals, the city’s economic development office website, and local classifieds. Networking through comm...
How are public schools rated in Biddeford?
Biddeford is served by a public school district that includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. State education reports provide test scores, graduation rates, and school improvement plans, which you can review on the state department of education’s website. Parent‑teacher associations and local community forums also offer insight into school climate and extracurricular options. Visiting schools during ope...
Is Biddeford a safe place to live?
The city’s safety score is 48.0 out of 100, indicating safety concerns are higher than average. Crime statistics are published by the state police and can be accessed through the city’s public safety dashboard. Neighborhoods vary, so reviewing recent incident reports and talking to residents can give a clearer picture. The city’s police department offers community policing programs and crime‑prevention resources, whi...
What public transportation options exist in Biddeford?
Biddeford is served by a regional transit authority that operates bus routes connecting the downtown area, residential neighborhoods, and nearby towns. Schedules, fare information, and route maps are available on the transit authority’s website. For shorter trips, the city also supports bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. Ride‑share services operate in the area, and car‑sharing programs may be offered through local b...
Where can I find primary care and emergency services in Biddeford?
Biddeford has a network of primary‑care clinics and a regional medical center that provides emergency and inpatient services. The state health department’s provider directory lists physicians, specialists, and urgent‑care locations by zip code. For emergency care, the city’s hospital emergency department operates 24/7 and is equipped for trauma and critical cases. Insurance networks can be verified through your healt...
What outdoor activities are popular in Biddeford?
Biddeford’s location near the coast and river provides ample opportunities for kayaking, paddle‑boarding, and beach walks. The city maintains several parks with trails suitable for hiking and biking, and regional trail systems connect to neighboring towns for longer rides. Seasonal events often include outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets in public squares. For detailed maps and trail conditions, consult the city’s...
What utilities should I set up before moving to Biddeford?
Before moving, arrange for electricity, natural gas or heating oil, water, and sewer services through the city’s utility providers. Internet and cable options are offered by regional telecom companies; you can compare plans on their websites. Trash collection is typically handled by the municipal public works department, and recycling guidelines are posted on the city’s environmental services page. It’s also wise to...
What’s the overall vibe of living in Biddeford?
Biddeford blends a historic small‑town feel with a growing urban core. Downtown features a mix of local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, while residential areas range from older homes to newer developments. The city’s moderate population size fosters a sense of community, yet it benefits from proximity to larger metropolitan areas for additional amenities. Community events, a vibrant arts scene, and access to...
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