Median rent is 7% lower in Portland ($1,487/mo vs $1,596/mo). Buying is cheaper in Portland, where the median home runs $452,600 versus $557,600. Households earn more in Portland ($88,792 vs $76,174 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (103.6).
City A
Portland, ME
City B
Portland, OR
How much would you need to earn in Portland, OR to maintain your standard of living from Portland, ME?
Equivalent salary in Portland, OR
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Portland
Maine
Portland
Oregon
👥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 $1,596/mo in Portland (7% gap). Median home values are within 19% of each other: $452,600 in Portland and $557,600 in Portland.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Maine's top income tax rate is 7.15% versus 9.90% in Oregon, so Portland is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.50% in Maine and 0.00% in Oregon; Portland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Portland
Income tax: 7.15%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Portland
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Air quality data is available for Portland (avg AQI 26.0) but not yet for Portland.
Pick Portland if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,792/yr).
Pick Portland if you prioritize lower state income tax (7.15%).
Is Portland cheaper than Portland?
Portland is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.6 versus 103.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Portland.
How much is rent in Portland vs Portland?
Median rent is $1,487/mo in Portland, ME and $1,596/mo in Portland, OR. Portland, ME has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Portland or Portland?
Median household income is $76,174 in Portland, ME and $88,792 in Portland, OR. Portland, OR 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 — Portland or Portland?
Maine's top income tax rate is 7.15% and Oregon's is 9.90%. Portland, ME has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Portland to match my Portland income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Portland, ME is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Portland, OR (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