Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Portland is 28% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $54,167 in Portland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Maine salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Portland sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $395,000 in Portland, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,700 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Portland scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Portland (110).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $56,895 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Portland.
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