Cost of Living Forum

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BarHarborBorn @barharborborn
Joined: 2 months ago

Cost of Living in Bar Harbor, Maine – Insights from a Long-Term Resident


Hi everyone, I’m a lifelong resident of Bar Harbor, Maine, and I’d love to share my perspective on the cost of living here. As someone who has experienced the ups and downs of life in this charming coastal town, I can provide insight into the typical expenses you can expect for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials.

A little background on my situation: I’m in my late 40s, married with two kids in high school. My spouse and I both work full-time jobs, and we own a modest 3-bedroom home a few miles from downtown Bar Harbor. We have a pretty average middle-class lifestyle, but we do enjoy some of the finer things Bar Harbor has to offer, like dining out occasionally and taking advantage of the town’s cultural and outdoor activities.

So, what can you expect to pay for various expenses in Bar Harbor? Let me break it down for you, and please feel free to ask any follow-up questions or share your own experiences!

Posts: 10

10 Replies


CoastalCruiser @coastalcruiser
Joined: 7 months ago

Thanks for sharing your insights, BarHarborBorn! As someone who’s been eyeing a potential move to Bar Harbor, I’m really interested in hearing more about the housing costs. From what I’ve seen online, home prices and rental rates can be pretty steep, especially for properties close to the downtown area or with ocean views. Could you give us a ballpark range for what a modest 3-bedroom home like yours might cost to rent or buy? And how do prices compare between the town center and the surrounding areas?

On a related note, what are typical utility costs like for homeowners in Bar Harbor? I’d love to get a sense of how much you budget for things like electricity, heating, water, and internet each month.

Posts: 20
FoodieFam @foodiefam
Joined: 2 years ago

Housing costs are definitely a concern, but I’m also really curious about food expenses in Bar Harbor. As a family of four with two teenage boys, grocery bills can add up quickly! BarHarborBorn, could you give us a sense of what a typical weekly or monthly grocery haul might cost for a family like yours? And how do prices compare between regular supermarkets and local markets/farm stands?

On top of that, I’d love to hear your thoughts on dining out in Bar Harbor. It seems like there are plenty of amazing seafood restaurants and upscale eateries, but I imagine those can get pricey, especially for a family. Are there good affordable options too, or is dining out more of a splurge?

Posts: 23
OutdoorEnthusiast @outdoorenthusiast
Joined: 2 years ago

As someone who loves an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, I’m wondering what kind of costs are associated with recreation and entertainment in Bar Harbor. BarHarborBorn, could you give us a rundown on things like gym memberships, equipment rentals (bikes, kayaks, etc.), and any fees for accessing hiking trails or state/national parks in the area?

I’ve also heard that Bar Harbor can be a bit of a tourist hotspot, especially in the summer months. Does the influx of visitors drive up prices for certain things, like dining out or accommodation? Or are there ways to avoid the tourist crowds and find better deals during peak season?

Posts: 7
SingleGal @singlegal
Joined: 2 years ago

As a single woman in my late 20s, my financial priorities and lifestyle are probably a bit different from BarHarborBorn’s situation. I’m mostly concerned about finding an affordable place to live on my own, as well as budgeting for transportation costs since I’ll need to get around for work and leisure.

BarHarborBorn, could you give me a sense of what I might expect to pay for a modest 1-bedroom apartment in Bar Harbor, both in the town center and in the surrounding areas? And how feasible is it to get by without a car, relying on public transportation or ride-sharing services instead? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of different transportation options in terms of cost and convenience.

Posts: 16
RetiredAndRestless @retiredandrestless
Joined: 2 years ago

I’m a recent retiree planning to relocate to Bar Harbor, and my main concern is managing living expenses on a fixed income. BarHarborBorn, I’d be really interested to hear your perspective on the cost of healthcare and any other major expenses that come with aging in Bar Harbor.

For example, what can I expect to pay for things like Medicare supplemental insurance, prescription drugs, and in-home care services (if needed down the line)? Are there any local programs or resources that can help offset these costs for seniors on a tight budget?

On a different note, I’m also curious about entertainment and social activities for retirees in Bar Harbor. Are there affordable options for things like community centers, adult education classes, or hobby groups that could help me stay active and engaged without breaking the bank?

Posts: 12
FamilyOfFive @familyoffive
Joined: 2 years ago

I really appreciate all the insights you’ve shared so far, BarHarborBorn! As a family of five (two adults, three kids under 10) considering a move to Bar Harbor, our biggest concern is finding an affordable place to live that can comfortably accommodate our larger family size.

Could you give us a ballpark estimate for what we might expect to pay for a 3-bedroom rental or mortgage payment, both in the town center and in the surrounding areas? And how do prices compare between apartments and single-family homes?

We’re also wondering about the costs associated with raising kids in Bar Harbor, like childcare, after-school activities, and education expenses. Are there any good public or private school options in the area, and what kind of tuition or fees should we budget for? Any insights into family-friendly amenities and resources would be greatly appreciated!

Posts: 4
CareerClimber @careerclimber
Joined: 2 years ago

As a young professional in my early 30s, my top priority is finding a location with a reasonable cost of living that still allows me to save and invest for the future. BarHarborBorn, I’d love to get your take on the job market and typical salaries in Bar Harbor across various industries.

What kinds of career opportunities are available in the area, and how do wages compare to the national average? Are there certain sectors or companies that tend to pay particularly well (or poorly) relative to the local cost of living?

I’m also curious about the feasibility of living somewhat frugally in Bar Harbor while still maintaining a decent quality of life. Are there good budget-friendly options for things like housing, transportation, and entertainment that could help me stretch my income further?

Posts: 11
AdventureSeeker @adventureseeker
Joined: 4 months ago

While costs are certainly an important consideration, I’m also really interested in hearing about the overall quality of life and opportunities for adventure in Bar Harbor. As an avid hiker, rock climber, and all-around outdoor enthusiast, I want to make sure I’ll have easy access to plenty of recreational activities and natural areas to explore.

BarHarborBorn, could you share some insights into the outdoor scene in Bar Harbor? Are there good hiking trails, climbing spots, or other adventurous pursuits right in town or within a reasonable driving distance? And are there any local clubs, outfitters, or guided tour services that could help someone like me tap into those kinds of activities?

I’m also curious about the social scene and nightlife options in Bar Harbor. While I don’t necessarily need a huge party scene, it would be nice to have some laid-back spots to grab a beer or listen to live music after a day of outdoor adventures.

Posts: 10
ArtistAtHeart @artistatheart
Joined: 2 years ago

As a creative type with a passion for the arts, my main concern is finding an affordable place to live that still keeps me connected to a vibrant cultural scene. BarHarborBorn, could you share some insights into the local arts community and any resources or amenities that might appeal to someone like me?

For example, are there any galleries, museums, or performance venues in Bar Harbor that offer affordable admission or discounted rates for residents? Are there any community arts centers, studio spaces, or co-ops that could provide opportunities for me to create and showcase my work without breaking the bank?

I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the overall vibe and creative energy of Bar Harbor. Is it a place that tends to attract and nurture artists, musicians, and other creative types, or is the scene a bit more low-key?

Posts: 4
EcoConscious @ecoconscious
Joined: 6 months ago

Environmental sustainability and eco-friendly living are really important to me, so I’m curious to hear your perspective on the “green” factor in Bar Harbor, BarHarborBorn. Are there good options for things like locally sourced organic produce, farmers’ markets, and bulk food stores that could help reduce my environmental footprint and grocery costs?

I’d also love to hear about any initiatives or resources in Bar Harbor related to renewable energy, waste reduction, recycling, or other sustainable practices. Are there incentives or programs available to help offset the costs of things like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or composting services?

On a broader level, does Bar Harbor have a generally eco-conscious vibe and a community that values environmental stewardship? Or is it more of a challenge to maintain a truly sustainable lifestyle in the area?

Posts: 5

Detailed Price Insights of Abilene, TX

  • Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant – 22.00 $
  • Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course – 92.50 $
  • McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) – 11.00 $
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) – 6.00 $
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) – 8.00 $
  • Cappuccino (regular) – 5.36 $
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) – 2.79 $
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) – 2.37 $
  • Milk (regular), (1 liter) – 1.05 $
  • Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – 3.89 $
  • Rice (white), (1kg) – 5.88 $
  • Eggs (regular) (12) – 4.50 $
  • Local Cheese (1kg) – 15.77 $
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) – 10.48 $
  • Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) – 17.84 $
  • Apples (1kg) – 6.72 $
  • Banana (1kg) – 1.69 $
  • Oranges (1kg) – 8.99 $
  • Tomato (1kg) – 11.83 $
  • Potato (1kg) – 6.57 $
  • Onion (1kg) – 6.15 $
  • Lettuce (1 head) – 2.34 $
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) – 2.15 $
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) – 13.50 $
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) – 1.95 $
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) – 3.55 $
  • Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) – 14.04 $
  • Gasoline (1 liter) – 0.91 $
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) – 32,765.67 $
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) – 33,001.29 $
  • Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment – 225.00 $
  • Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data – 47.83 $
  • Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) – 70.00 $
  • Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat – 15.00 $
  • 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) – 46.00 $
  • 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) – 40.00 $
  • 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) – 126.33 $
  • 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes – 129.00 $
  • Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate – 6.74
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