Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Lewiston and Scarborough, Maine. Using Maine's 1.3% property tax rate and $1,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Lewiston is significantly more affordable than Scarborough, with homes priced 51% lower on average. That translates to $1,787/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Maine, Lewiston offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
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 Lewiston saves you approximately $1,787/month ($21,444/year) compared to Scarborough, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Lewiston is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $245K versus $495K in Scarborough. That's $250K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $9K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Lewiston, compared to $17K in Scarborough. Maine offers the MaineHousing First Home program ($5,000 Advantage grant) which applies in both cities.
Lewiston has the better price-to-rent ratio at 16.7x versus 22.3x in Scarborough. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Lewiston is $1,220/month on a $245K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Lewiston (pop. 37,121) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Scarborough (pop. 22,135) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Lewiston offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.