Either-Or: Coastal Maine vs. Brighton

Welcome to Either-Or, where we compare two listings with the same price—one in Boston and one outside. Build your own conclusions.

Photos courtesy of Redfin

Boston is expensive.

You know it, we know it, everyone knows it—so if you’re not batting an eyelash at the exorbitant housing costs in the city, it’s understandable. You’re probably accustomed to all of those dollar signs.

Have no fear, for we’re here to remind you that Boston’s price tags are truly a special breed by presenting two homes listed at the same price.

The first is a stately Greek Revival home in the coastal town of Bath, Maine. Bath is situated along the Kennebec River, just a few miles from where the river lets out into the Atlantic. The second is a one-bedroom unit in Brighton. The space is centrally located in the sense that it’s near the B, D, and C, lines, but it’s almost four times smaller than the house up north. Both are asking $339,000.

The Snapshot Comparison

The handsome house on Green Street is only a short walk from Bath’s adorable (and arguably up-and-coming) downtown area. It’s surrounded by gardens and features a fenced-in brick patio. There’s also a large wood fireplace in the kitchen. Built in 1850, the house exudes antique charm while still feeling delightfully modern.

The Englewood Avenue condo also feels modern, but in a different sense. It features an updated kitchen, though it’s small and doesn’t claim a farmhouse drainboard sink. There are oak hardwood floors, views of a courtyard, and roof deck access.

The listing for the house in Bath advertises minimal lawn care, creating an upside to the Brighton condo—no lawn care at all. Still, neither of the properties have very much land, but the house in Maine does have a screened-in porch and a garage.

The biggest difference between the two properties can be found in the price breakdown. Brighton’s condo clocks in at $556 per square foot, whereas Maine’s house is $143 per square foot. Just a friendly reminder that city life can mean compromising—it just depends what city you compromise in.