Auburn, ME vs South Portland, ME

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Auburn is 28.2% cheaper than South Portland. With a cost index of 86 vs 120, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Auburn to South Portland should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $983/month compared to $1,648/month in South Portland — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Auburn is more affordable at $254,600 median vs $405,800.

Median household income in Auburn is $66,552 compared to $84,563 in South Portland (-21.3%). The higher salaries in South Portland partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, less than the 23.4% in South 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 South Portland.