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Cost of Living in South Portland

South Portland, Maine, United States · Population 26,930

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in South Portland

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in South Portland is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare South Portland

South Portland vs New YorkSouth Portland vs Los AngelesSouth Portland vs ChicagoSouth Portland vs MiamiSouth Portland vs HoustonSouth Portland vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Portland

5 km away · Maine

Cape Elizabeth

6 km away · Maine

Scarborough

8 km away · Maine

Westbrook

9 km away · Maine

Falmouth

13 km away · Maine

Old Orchard Beach

14 km away · Maine

Gorham

16 km away · Maine

Saco

17 km away · Maine

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in South Portland

South Portland is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in South Portland is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Portland expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in South Portland including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in South Portland?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in South Portland with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in South Portland is $3,510.
How much is rent in South Portland?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is South Portland cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — South Portland is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in South Portland?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in South Portland. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in South Portland compare?
A monthly public transport pass in South Portland is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for South Portland are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 26,930). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.