Portland, ME, US
Foodie paradise with lobster, lighthouses, and New England coastal charm.
Overview
Portland is a city in ME with a population of 68,408. Foodie paradise with lobster, lighthouses, and New England coastal charm. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Portland vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 7.2%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $58,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 68,408
Climate
- Sunny Days: 203/year
- Summer High: 79°F
- Winter Low: 13°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: $450,000
- 1BR Rent: $1650/mo
Cost of Living
Portland's cost of living index is 112.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Portland | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 112.5 | 100 | +12.5% |
| Housing | 128.4 | 100 | +28.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1650/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $300 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Portland:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $173 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $65 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $493 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Portland scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Portland has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F | 13°F | 2.5" |
| April | 64°F | 28°F | 2.8" |
| July | 79°F | 54°F | 1.5" |
| October | 59°F | 31°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Portland faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Coastal flooding.
Mountainous region with avalanches.
Rarely affected by hurricanes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 7.15%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
- Property Tax: ~1.36% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Portland per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Portland is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME, US?
The cost of living index in Portland is 112.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Portland?
The median home price in Portland is $450,000. The housing index is 128.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Portland is approximately $1650/mo.
Does Portland, ME have income tax?
Portland is in ME, which has an income tax rate of 7.15%.
What is the climate like in Portland?
Portland enjoys approximately 203 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 79°F, while winter lows can drop to around 13°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.