Portland, Maine has an overall cost of living index of 103.6, which is 3.6 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,487 per month, while the typical home is valued around $452,600. Households earn a median of $76,174 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$76,174
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,487
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$452,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
103.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,469
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,658
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,130
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,591
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
103.6
Goods
101.0
Rents / Housing
98.3
Services
137.3
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
7.15%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
5.50%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | N/A |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | N/A |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | N/A |
| ⚡Electrician | N/A |
| 📊Accountant | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
68,505
Latest estimate
Median Age
37.5 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Portland?
Portland has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 103.6. The US national average is 100, so Portland is 3.6 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Portland?
The median gross rent in Portland is $1,487 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Portland?
The median household income in Portland is $76,174 per year.
What is the median home value in Portland?
The median home value in Portland is $452,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Portland?
Air quality data for Portland is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in Portland?
Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a statewide sales tax of 5.50% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology