Food cost where I am is vastly cheaper than Maine. Maybe because I'm in Market Basket territory? Prices in some cases are half what they are in Waterville. Last time I was at Hannaford in ME it was $4.29 for milk, compared to $1.99 on sale at MB. Deli meats/cheeses are $1-2 less per lb, bread is $2 less, shredded pizza cheese is half the price, and the list goes on. Even the Walmart up there can't beat the prices I have locally. I get sticker shock every time I go in Hannaford's or Shaw's. I buy most of what we need here and bring it with us.
Of course the property taxes are worse here.
I can ask Dick if he's interested in trying mottleds. I can't, one variety is enough for me.