Auburn, ME vs Portland, ME

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Auburn is 27.6% cheaper than Portland. With a cost index of 86 vs 119, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Auburn to Portland should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $983/month compared to $1,487/month in Portland — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Auburn is more affordable at $254,600 median vs $452,600.

Median household income in Auburn is $66,552 compared to $76,174 in Portland (-12.6%). Portland does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, less than the 23.4% in Portland.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.7°F vs 47.5°F). Auburn receives more rainfall at 50" per year compared to 48.1" in Portland.