Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 7.3% more expensive than Portland, ME. This translates to spending an extra $545 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $156,537.285 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, ME and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 9.0% cheaper than in Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,202/month in Portland, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, ME to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $545 more per month than Portland, ME, or $6537 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portland, ME vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portland, ME — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Portland, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $545/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.5K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$545

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Portland, ME

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$527K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$414K

Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 69K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portland, ME vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Portland, ME	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,178/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $499more	42.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,182/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $307more	26.0%
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $277less	9.0%
🛒Groceries	$867/mo	$963/mo	↑ $96.08more	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$575/mo	$561/mo	↓ $14.03less	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$597/mo	$589/mo	↓ $8.85less	1.5%

📦Other

↑ 42.4%

Portland, ME

$1,178

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$499

🚗Transportation

↑ 26.0%

Portland, ME

$1,182

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$307

🏠Housing

↓ 9.0%

Portland, ME

$3,066

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$277

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 11.1%

Portland, ME

$867

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$96.08

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.4%

Portland, ME

$575

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$14.03

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.5%

Portland, ME

$597

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$8.85

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$829

To$1,390

↑ $561

1 Bed

From$939

To$1,510

↑ $571

2 Bed

From$1,202

To$1,750

↑ $548

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,330

↑ $870

Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,780/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,466

Monthly in Portland, ME

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$602

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Phoenix

$527K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$510K - $642K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 21% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$421

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.4%

Rate difference

Portland, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.