Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Sarasota is 4% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $71,795 in Sarasota.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Sarasota sits at 132 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $380,000 in Sarasota, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,800 in Sarasota.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 107 while Sarasota scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Sarasota (97).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $52,147 in Sarasota. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sarasota.
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