Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Philadelphia is 9% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $67,949 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Maine salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Portland sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $395,000 in Portland, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,700 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Portland scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are lower than Portland (110).
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $56,895 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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