California vs Maine
California
Property Tax Comparison: California vs. Maine
Summary – Both California and Maine levy property taxes based on the assessed value of real estate, but the effective rates and resulting tax payments differ. The data below come from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | California | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.71 % | 1.10 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $266,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $2,926 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $2,746 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $5,492 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $71,773 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state has the lower property tax burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): California
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.39 percentage points, which is a 35.5 % lower rate than Maine’s 1.10 %.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $975 less in California ($1,771 vs. $2,746).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,950 less in California ($3,542 vs. $5,492).
The lower effective rate in California means that, for a given property value, the property‑tax bill is smaller than in Maine. This result is based solely on the effective tax rate; overall tax dollars paid also depend on home values, which are higher in California.
Who might find this comparison most useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how the tax rate and median tax amounts differ helps estimate annual housing costs in each state. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax burden influences fixed‑income budgeting; a lower rate (California) may reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses, though higher home values could offset the advantage. |
| Real‑estate investors | The effective tax rate affects cash‑flow projections; the lower rate in California can improve net returns on comparable‑value properties. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The side‑by‑side data illustrate how tax structures vary across states, supporting comparative studies. |
The comparison is factual and does not account for other taxes (e.g., income, sales) or cost‑of‑living factors that could influence a decision.
Further reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed information on Maine’s property‑tax system: Maine property tax
Note: All figures are derived from the most recent ACS estimates (2023 5‑year). Changes in legislation, assessment practices, or market conditions after the data collection period may affect actual tax liabilities.
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Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.