Median rent is 7% lower in Arlington ($1,389/mo vs $1,487/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $276,400 versus $452,600. Households earn more in Portland ($76,174 vs $73,519 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 103.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Portland, ME.
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Portland, ME
How much would you need to earn in Portland, ME to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Portland, ME
$75,162
You'd need $162 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Portland
Maine
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Arlington at $1,389/mo compared to $1,487/mo in Portland (7% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Portland: the median home is $452,600 versus $276,400 in Arlington — 39% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Maine tops out at 7.15% — giving Arlington a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 5.50% in Maine; Portland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Arlington
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Portland
Income tax: 7.15%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Air quality data is available for Arlington (avg AQI 44.0) but not yet for Portland.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Arlington cheaper than Portland?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 103.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Portland?
Median rent is $1,389/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,487/mo in Portland, ME. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Portland?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington, TX and $76,174 in Portland, ME. Portland, ME has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Portland?
Texas has no state income tax. Maine has a top rate of 7.15%.
What salary do I need in Portland to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,217 in Portland, ME (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology