Cost of living in Portland, Maine
Cumberland County, ME
Part of the Portland Metro Area
Population 305,940 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Portland
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Income and earnings in Portland
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Portland
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Portland
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Portland
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Portland
State and local tax rates for Maine.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Portland
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Portland
What it costs to live in Portland each month.
- Rent $1,279
- Energy $206
- Water $55
- Groceries $348
- Transport $250
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $646
- State tax $258
- Rent $1,643
- Energy $247
- Water $65
- Groceries $577
- Transport $350
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $1,192
- State tax $513
- Rent $1,876
- Energy $309
- Water $75
- Groceries $875
- Transport $450
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $1,192
- State tax $513
Frequently asked questions about Portland
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Portland?
In Portland, Maine, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,279 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,643 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,876 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Portland?
In Portland, Maine, the average household income is $92,983 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $49,540 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Portland?
The estimated cost of living in Portland, Maine is approximately $3,522 per month for a single person, $5,451 for a couple, $7,840 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Portland?
The combined sales tax rate in Portland, Maine is 5.50%, which includes the Maine state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Portland an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Portland, Maine would need approximately $3,522 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $92,983 per year ($7,749 per month). Portland is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Portland?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Portland, Maine is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Portland?
The average home value in Portland, Maine is $411,400, with average annual property taxes of $4,577, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Portland compare to other areas?
You can compare Portland, Maine with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Portland is in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area.
Other counties in Maine
Browse the full list of counties in Maine, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in MaineCompare Portland with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP