Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Biddeford and Saco, Maine. Using Maine's 1.3% property tax rate and $1,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Biddeford edges out Saco in affordability, saving you roughly $214/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Maine, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Maine's 1.3% property tax rate.
Buying in Biddeford saves you approximately $214/month ($2,568/year) compared to Saco, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Biddeford is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $365K versus $395K in Saco. That's $30K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $13K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Biddeford, compared to $14K in Saco. Maine offers the MaineHousing First Home program ($5,000 Advantage grant) which applies in both cities.
Biddeford has the better price-to-rent ratio at 20.6x versus 22.7x in Saco. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Biddeford is $1,480/month on a $365K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Biddeford (pop. 22,516) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Saco (pop. 20,381) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Biddeford offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.