Portland vs Madison

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Wisconsin salaries

Living in Portland vs Madison

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,400 in Madison.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while Madison scores 101.

Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Madison (105).

Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.

Relocating: Portland vs Madison

If you are considering a move between Portland (index: 117) and Madison (index: 106), the 9% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Madison is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Portland can afford $1,328/month, while the median household in Madison can afford $1,577/month. With median homes at $395,000 in Portland versus $340,000 in Madison, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Portland and $1,400/month in Madison, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Madison. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Portland (117) vs Madison (106)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Portland at 117 is 17% above the US average, while Madison at 106 is 6% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,700/month in Portland and $1,400/month in Madison, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $18,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $55,000 difference in median home prices between Portland and Madison translates to roughly $3,300 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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