Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
St. Paul is 15% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $64,103 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 107 while St. Paul scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than St. Paul (105).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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