South Portland, ME, US
Coastal city across the harbor from Portland with beaches and working waterfront.
Overview
South Portland is a city in ME with a population of 26,000. Coastal city across the harbor from Portland with beaches and working waterfront. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
South Portland vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 7.2%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $86,838
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 26,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 190/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 18°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 200 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: $380,000
- 1BR Rent: $1400/mo
Cost of Living
South Portland's cost of living index is 105 (US average = 100).
| Category | South Portland | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $380,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $253 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in South Portland:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $177 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $153 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $465 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
South Portland scores 74/100 for remote work readiness:
Walkability
How easy it is to get around South Portland without a car, based on the EPA National Walkability Index.
55% of residents live in above-average walkable neighborhoods.
Source: EPA National Walkability Index (2021)
Climate
South Portland has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 18°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 33°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 36°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
South Portland faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Coastal and river 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 3.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in South Portland per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of South 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 South Portland, ME, US?
The cost of living index in South Portland is 105, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in South Portland?
The median home price in South Portland is $380,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in South Portland is approximately $1400/mo.
Does South Portland, ME have income tax?
South Portland is in ME, which has an income tax rate of 7.15%.
What is the climate like in South Portland?
South Portland enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.
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: October 23, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.