Augusta, ME vs South Portland, ME

The cost of living difference between Augusta, ME and South Portland, ME is dramatic. Augusta is 35.1% cheaper than South Portland, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Augusta has a cost index of 78 while South Portland sits at 120, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Augusta is $887/month compared to $1,648/month in South Portland — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Augusta is more affordable at $188,900 median vs $405,800.

Median household income in Augusta is $48,756 compared to $84,563 in South Portland (-42.3%). While South Portland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Augusta spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, less than the 23.4% in South Portland.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.1°F vs 47.5°F). South Portland receives more rainfall at 48.1" per year compared to 41.8" in Augusta.