City Profile

Biddeford, Maine

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

Overall Score

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.

About Maine

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.

Cost of Living Weather & Climate Jobs & Economy Quality of Life Safety Demographics Economy Transportation Healthcare Housing Nearby Cities Similar Cities FAQ

22,932

Population

$68K

Avg Salary

122

Cost Index

65.0

Quality Score

Performance

Quality Scores

Business

Livability

Affordability

Growth

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.

Average Rent

$2,199/mo

Groceries

$426/mo

Transport

$789/mo

Utilities

$428/mo

Healthcare

$252/mo

Gym membership (monthly)

$50.00

Cinema ticket

$15.00

Restaurant meal (mid-range)

$25.00

Monthly groceries

$426.00

Doctor visit (without insurance)

$177.00

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.

Employment

Top Industries

Manufacturing +4.50% Education +4.50% Retail +4.50% Health Care and Social Services +4.50%

Weather

Climate

🌡️

Avg Temp

☀️

Summer High

❄️

Winter Low

🌧️

Annual Rain

💧

71.00%

Humidity

🌤️

Sunny Days

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.

24 min

Avg Commute

30.00/10

Transit Score

45.00/10

Walkability

High

Car Dependency

At a Glance