Median rent is 10% lower in Portland ($1,487/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Portland, where the median home runs $452,600 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $76,174 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 103.6 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 103.6 in Portland (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Portland, ME
How much would you need to earn in Portland, ME to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Portland, ME
$78,663
You'd need $3,663 more (5% 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
Austin
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 Portland at $1,487/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (10% gap). Median home values are within 12% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $452,600 in Portland.
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 Austin 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).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Portland
Income tax: 7.15%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Portland.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 103.6).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Portland?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 103.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Portland?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,487/mo in Portland, ME. Portland, ME has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Portland?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $76,174 in Portland, ME. Austin, TX 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 — Austin 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 Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $104,884 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