Portland-South Portland, ME Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Portland-South Portland
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area run 1.0% above the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 101.0 on a base of 100). That puts Portland-South Portland close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Maine household — see the Maine state report.
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The Portland-South Portland, ME metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 101.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 1.0% above the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Portland-South Portland an affordable place to live?
Portland-South Portland, ME has an InflationRank score of 74/100 (grade C), reflecting cost of living near the U.S. national average. The metro RPP of 101.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Portland-South Portland compare to other cities for cost of living?
Portland-South Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 101.0 (U.S.=100), 1.0% above the national average. Similar-cost metros include Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (RPP 101.0), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL (RPP 101.0).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →