Cost of living in Portland
Portland, Maine, is a vibrant city known for its picturesque coastal views and rich cultural scene. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 on average, with a range between $16 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $110, with prices ranging from $60 to $160.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $9, imported beer $7 to $10, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.75 and $1.19 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.98 and $6.01, with an average price of $3.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $5.99, averaging $4.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $12.13 per kg, while oranges range from $4.76 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.07 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $2.69 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2, with a monthly pass priced at $60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.84 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1600 to $2200, averaging $1740.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $1500, averaging $1460.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3000 to $4100, averaging $3400.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2450 to $3200, averaging $2550.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3767.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $3767.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $400, averaging $225.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $59.17.
Cost of Living Rankings
Portland ranks 20th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
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Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Portland, ME, offers a moderate cost of living with relatively high housing costs, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be expensive, particularly at mid-range restaurants, while grocery prices vary widely.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport options and moderate fuel prices.
Utilities and internet services are priced moderately, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Portland, ME, presents a balanced cost of living with some areas of higher expense, such as housing and dining.
Prospective residents should budget carefully, particularly for housing and dining, while taking advantage of affordable transportation and utility costs.
Overall, Portland offers a vibrant lifestyle with its scenic beauty and cultural offerings, making it a desirable place to live despite the costs.