Lewiston, ME vs South Portland, ME

The cost of living difference between Lewiston, ME and South Portland, ME is dramatic. Lewiston is 31.7% cheaper than South Portland, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lewiston has a cost index of 82 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 Lewiston is $954/month compared to $1,648/month in South Portland — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lewiston is more affordable at $214,200 median vs $405,800.

Median household income in Lewiston is $56,558 compared to $84,563 in South Portland (-33.1%). 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 Lewiston spend roughly 20.2% 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). Lewiston receives more rainfall at 50" per year compared to 48.1" in South Portland.