#19: Maine
Minimum wage: $14.65
In Maine, wealth is often tied to healthcare, professional services, remote work, tourism ownership, and real estate. Affluent residents may live along the coast or in scenic towns, enjoying spacious homes, outdoor recreation, and a quieter pace of life supported by higher incomes or investment earnings.

For lower-income Mainers, many jobs are in tourism, retail, food service, fishing, and caregiving. Seasonal employment is common, and long winters raise heating and utility costs. Even with a higher minimum wage, housing shortages and rising rents make budgeting difficult for many households.
