Cost of Living in Portland, ME
Population 68,505 · Maine · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Portland cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $453,000, rents near $1,487 a month.
Located 80 miles northeast of Manchester, Portland is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 35% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portland
The median home value in Portland is $452,600 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,487/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,174/year is 2% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maine's top state income tax rate is 7.2% and the combined sales tax is 5.5%. The climate averages highs of 56.4°F and lows of 38.6°F, with about 68.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Portland has a cost of living index of 134 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 35 | 42 | 54 | 64 | 74 | 80 | 79 | 71 | 60 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 26 | 35 | 46 | 55 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 22 |
| Precip" | 3.50 | 3.54 | 4.08 | 4.41 | 3.67 | 4.15 | 3.43 | 3.57 | 3.77 | 5.25 | 4.25 | 4.50 |
| Snow" | 18.6 | 16.6 | 13.6 | 2.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 14.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME?
Portland has a cost index of 134 (100 = national average). It is 34% above the national average.
What is average rent in Portland, ME?
The median gross rent in Portland is $1,487 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portland?
The median home value in Portland is $452,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland is $76,174 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portland, ME?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portland is 5.5%. The Maine state income tax top rate is 7.2%.
Is Portland, ME affordable?
Portland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 134 — about 34% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Portland?
Portland has average high temperatures of 56.4°F and average lows of 38.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.1". Average annual snowfall is 68.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Portland at a Glance
- Population
- 68,505
- Median Income
- $76,174
- Home Value
- $452,600
- Median Rent
- $1,487/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maine Rankings
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