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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Portland Maine: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

1.9% above

Cost of living in Portland is 1.9% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area (index 101.9; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Portland is $1,711 a month.

Cost of living in Portland by category

Overall prices

101.9U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+1.9% vs. U.S.

Goods
97.2 −2.8%
Housing (rents)
105.2 +5.2%
Utilities
134.6 +34.6%
Other services
103.2 +3.2%

BEA 2024 · Portland metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,711/mo

Median gross rent

+15% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,609 +24% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,782 +20% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$2,187 +30% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$555,100 +54% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,196 +8% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$156/mo

Average electric bill

About the same as U.S.

Electricity price
32.4¢/kWh +77% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$27.13/Mcf +40% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
134.6

EIA July 2026 · Maine statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

19.3min

Mean travel time to work

−29% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
56.8%
Work from home
20.8%
Gasoline (PADD 1A avg.)
$4.31/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$252/wk

Center care, infant

+45% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$252/wk +64% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$261/wk +81% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$207/wk +44% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Cumberland County Details: Child care

Income

$82,059/yr

Median household income

About the same as U.S.

Median rent as share of income
25%
Home value to income
6.8×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Portland

Median gross rent in Portland is $1,711 a month, 15% above the U.S. median of $1,487.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $555,100.

Housing costs: Portland vs. Maine vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Portland: $1,711; Maine: $1,210; U.S.: $1,487 Portland $1,711 Maine $1,210 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Portland: $2,196; Maine: $1,796; U.S.: $2,035 Portland $2,196 Maine $1,796 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Portland: $555,100; Maine: $341,900; U.S.: $360,600 Portland $555,100 Maine $341,900 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasurePortlandMaineU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,711$1,210$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,196$1,796$2,035
Median home value$555,100$341,900$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Portland

Measure Portland Maine U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,711$1,210$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,609$905$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,782$1,325$1,490
3-bedroom rent $2,187$1,483$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,196$1,796$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Portland?

At the median, rent takes about 25% of household income in Portland. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $68,400 a year.

The median home is worth $555,100, or 6.8 times the median household income.

Household income in Portland

The median household in Portland earns $82,059 a year, about the same as the U.S. median of $81,604. About 10.2% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 11.6% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Portland vs. Maine vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Portland: $82,059; Maine: $76,442; U.S.: $81,604 Portland $82,059 Maine $76,442 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasurePortlandMaineU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$82,059$76,442$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Portland

Household income distribution in Portland Share of households in Portland by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 10.2%. Median $82,059. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 4% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.6% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 1.8% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 4.7% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 7.2% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.8% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 13.5% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 8.4% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 11.4% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 10.4% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 10.2% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $82,059 (Portland) 13.5%
Show the data table
RangePortlandU.S.
Less than $10,0004%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.6%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.7%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.3%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9994.1%3%
$30,000–$34,9991.8%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.3%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.5%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9994.7%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9997.2%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.8%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99913.5%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9998.4%10.4%
$125,000–$149,99911.4%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99910.4%9.7%
$200,000 or more10.2%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Portland Maine U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $82,059$76,442$81,604
Median home value $555,100$341,900$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area scored 101.9 for all items. The highest category is utilities at 134.6; the lowest is goods at 97.2.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Portland metro area: 101.9; Maine: 97.1; U.S.: 100.0 Portland metro area 101.9 Maine 97.1 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Portland metro area: 97.2; Maine: 97.2; U.S.: 99.6 Portland metro area 97.2 Maine 97.2 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Portland metro area: 105.2; Maine: 78.9; U.S.: 100.6 Portland metro area 105.2 Maine 78.9 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Portland metro area: 134.6; Maine: 135.2; U.S.: 98.4 Portland metro area 134.6 Maine 135.2 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Portland metro area: 103.2; Maine: 103.2; U.S.: 100.1 Portland metro area 103.2 Maine 103.2 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasurePortland metro areaMaineU.S.
All items101.997.1100.0
Goods97.297.299.6
Housing (rents)105.278.9100.6
Utilities134.6135.298.4
Other services103.2103.2100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Portland-South Portland, ME. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Maine paid an average of 32.4¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $156 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $27.13 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices are reported statewide, so these are Maine averages rather than figures for Portland alone.

Energy prices: Maine vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Maine: 32.4¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Maine 32.4¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Maine: $156; U.S.: $157 Maine $156 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Maine: $27.13; U.S.: $19.40 Maine $27.13 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureMaineU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)32.4¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$156$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$27.13$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Portland who commute spend an average of 19.3 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (56.8% of workers); 20.8% work from home. Gasoline in the New England region (PADD 1A), which includes Maine, averaged $4.31 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Maine price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Portland: Drove alone 56.8%, Carpooled 6.2%, Public transit 1.6%, Walked 11%, Bicycle 2%, Worked from home 20.8%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.6%. Maine: Drove alone 70.8%, Carpooled 8.7%, Public transit 0.6%, Walked 3.5%, Bicycle 0.3%, Worked from home 14.7%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.4%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Portland: Drove alone. Portland Portland · Drove alone: 56.8% 56.8% Portland · Carpooled: 6.2% Portland · Public transit: 1.6% Portland · Walked: 11% 11% Portland · Bicycle: 2% Portland · Worked from home: 20.8% 20.8% Portland · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.6% Maine Maine · Drove alone: 70.8% 70.8% Maine · Carpooled: 8.7% Maine · Public transit: 0.6% Maine · Walked: 3.5% Maine · Bicycle: 0.3% Maine · Worked from home: 14.7% 14.7% Maine · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.4% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationPortlandMaineU.S.
Drove alone56.8%70.8%69.2%
Carpooled6.2%8.7%9.2%
Public transit1.6%0.6%3.7%
Walked11%3.5%2.4%
Bicycle2%0.3%0.5%
Worked from home20.8%14.7%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.6%1.4%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Portland

Travel time to work in Portland Share of workers who do not work from home in Portland by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.7%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2%. Mean 19.3 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than 5 min: 2.7% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 15.8% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 30.4% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 17.9% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 13.5% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 4.6% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 4.3% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 0.9% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 1.3% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 4.5% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 2.1% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 19.3 min (Portland) 30.4%
Show the data table
RangePortlandU.S.
Less than 5 min2.7%2.8%
5–9 min15.8%9.4%
10–14 min30.4%13.1%
15–19 min17.9%15%
20–24 min13.5%14.1%
25–29 min4.6%7%
30–34 min4.3%13.7%
35–39 min0.9%3.4%
40–44 min1.3%4.1%
45–59 min4.5%8.3%
60–89 min2.1%6.3%
90 min or more2%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Portland

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $252 a week in Cumberland County, or $13,087 over 52 weeks. That is 45% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Cumberland County Maine (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $252$225$174
Center-based care, toddler $252$203$153
Center-based care, preschool $261$188$144
Center-based care, school-age $158$140$120
Home-based family care, infant $207$163$143
Home-based family care, toddler $193$150$132
Home-based family care, preschool $190$146$131
Home-based family care, school-age $148$135$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Portland prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Portland?

Median rent is $1,609 for a one-bedroom and $1,782 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do you need to make to live in Portland?

To keep the median rent of $1,711 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $68,400 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Portland more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area at 101.9 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 1.9% above average. Housing rents score 105.2.

How long is the average commute in Portland?

19.3 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Portland?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $252 a week in Cumberland County in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.