Cost of Living in Portland, ME - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,434 (excluding rent), and $3,064 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,696 (excluding rent), and $5,996 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$29.63 $29.63

$19.75 $19.75

$59.3 $59.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$118 $118

$69.1 $69.1

$128 $128

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.96 $11.96

$9.97 $9.97

$17.94 $17.94

Cappuccino

$6.13 $6.13

$2.92 $2.92

$7.80 $7.80

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.67 $2.67

$1.95 $1.95

$2.92 $2.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.41 $2.41

$2.05 $2.05

$3.06 $3.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.07 $6.07

$4.86 $4.86

$8.74 $8.74

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.92 $7.92

$5.94 $5.94

$11.88 $11.88

Milk (1 liter)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.77 $0.77

$1.16 $1.16

White Bread (500g)

$3.72 $3.72

$2.26 $2.26

$4.53 $4.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$7.59 $7.59

$2.09 $2.09

$13.01 $13.01

Eggs

$4.32 $4.32

$3.05 $3.05

$6.09 $6.09

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.20 $16.20

$13.98 $13.98

$25.97 $25.97

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.69 $10.69

$5.51 $5.51

$19.90 $19.90

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.77 $14.77

$11.23 $11.23

$31.44 $31.44

Apples (1kg)

$3.31 $3.31

$2.14 $2.14

$12.86 $12.86

Banana (1kg)

$1.70 $1.70

$1.01 $1.01

$2.86 $2.86

Oranges (1kg)

$6.05 $6.05

$2.24 $2.24

$13.47 $13.47

Tomato (1kg)

$5.98 $5.98

$3.26 $3.26

$16.26 $16.26

Potato (1kg)

$7.19 $7.19

$2.02 $2.02

$8.62 $8.62

Onion (1kg)

$3.65 $3.65

$1.81 $1.81

$8.49 $8.49

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.47 $2.47

$1.04 $1.04

$5.11 $5.11

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.12 $2.12

$0.97 $0.97

$4.87 $4.87

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.74 $12.74

$11.20 $11.20

$15.27 $15.27

Wine (Bottle)

$14.90 $14.90

$10.93 $10.93

$25.20 $25.20

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.89 $1.89

$1.71 $1.71

$2.80 $2.80

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.13 $3.13

$2.05 $2.05

$5.14 $5.14

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$59.3 $59.3

$29.66 $29.66

$59.3 $59.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.04 $2.04

$6.12 $6.12

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.77 $1.77

$3.79 $3.79

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.00 $29.00

$26.22 $26.22

$34.77 $34.77

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.85 $0.85

$0.98 $0.98

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.7K $29.7K

$23.4K $23.4K

$35.9K $35.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.3K $25.3K

$24.8K $24.8K

$26.2K $26.2K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$214 $214

$153 $153

$611 $611

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.4 $54.4

$42.65 $42.65

$74.4 $74.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$82.4 $82.4

$60.3 $60.3

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$65.0 $65.0

$50.0 $50.0

$100 $100

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$12.61 $12.61

Cinema Ticket

$14.57 $14.57

$12.06 $12.06

$18.09 $18.09

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,246 $1,246

$491 $491

$2,108 $2,108

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$33.3K $33.3K

$9,985 $9,985

$49.9K $49.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.90 $49.90

$34.58 $34.58

$64.2 $64.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$73.6 $73.6

$34.34 $34.34

$147 $147

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$123 $123

$80.6 $80.6

$201 $201

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$135 $135

$50.6 $50.6

$253 $253

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,036 $2,036

$1,731 $1,731

$2,545 $2,545

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,456 $1,456

$1,377 $1,377

$1,672 $1,672

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,344 $3,344

$2,951 $2,951

$3,935 $3,935

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,526 $2,526

$1,904 $1,904

$3,208 $3,208

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,205 $4,205

$4,036 $4,036

$5,453 $5,453

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,000 $4,000

$3,952 $3,952

$4,058 $4,058

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,519 $4,519

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.71

6.19

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 12, 2026

Portland, ME Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Portland, ME - Frequently Asked Questions

Portland, ME tends to attract travelers, remote workers, and seasonal renters who value walkable neighborhoods, proximity to nature, and a strong local food scene. Compared with larger metro areas on the East Coast, you’ll find a more compact city vibe and pricing that rewards longer stays with thoughtful planning. Renting in riverfront or upmarket pockets can be pricier, while avoiding peak tourist corridors helps keep costs reasonable. Consider monthly coworking memberships, local markets for groceries, and bike-friendly routes to cut daily expenses. Cost of Living in Portland, ME, United States varies by neighborhood, season, and housing type, but practical budgeting and flexible housing options keep it accessible. Tip: Plan ahead for seasonal shifts and explore different neighborhoods to match your budget.

You’ll walk or bike to cafes, farmers markets, and groceries, and reliable buses help you reach farther coworking spots. In housing, Old Port delivers waterfront charm, West End offers quiet streets and classic townhouses, and East Bayside provides newer apartments with easier parking. Food options run from seafood shacks to farmers markets and affordable grocery chains with seasonal produce. For daily routines, choose a predictable rhythm: markets on weekends, smaller shops on weekdays, and flexible co-working spaces near your preferred neighborhood. Portland, ME, United States living cost varies by season and neighborhood, so scout several areas before committing. Tip: Use seasonal sales and loyalty programs to stretch your budget.

Quality of life in Portland hinges on balance: you can live comfortably by pairing a sensible housing option with a diverse mix of free or low-cost activities. Try a simple budgeting framework like a monthly allocation for housing, groceries, and transit, plus a cushion for meals out or weekend getaways. Neighborhood vibes vary: historic West End feels refined and walkable, while East Bayside offers newer apartments and easier parking, and the Old Port dazzles with waterfront access. For saving, shop at farmers markets, join a library of free events, and bike rather than drive. Seasonal swings influence crowds and noise, so choose a neighborhood that stays practical year round. Tip: Prioritize a test week in a couple of spots to measure daily rhythms.