Is Austin, TX cheaper than South Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 9.1% more expensive than South Portland, ME. This translates to spending an extra $684 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in South Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in South Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $158,203.166 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between South Portland, ME and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 4.1% cheaper than in South Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,276/month in South Portland, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from South Portland, ME to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $684 more per month than South Portland, ME, or $8203 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Portland, ME vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in South Portland, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $684/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.2K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 9.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$684

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.2K

Per year

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

South Portland, ME

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$496K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$558K

South Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 27K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: South Portland, ME vs Austin, TX

Category	South Portland, ME	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,156/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $585more	50.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,160/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $124more	10.7%
🏠Housing	$3,008/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $123less	4.1%
🛒Groceries	$859/mo	$959/mo	↑ $100more	11.7%
⚡All Utilities	$570/mo	$541/mo	↓ $28.79less	5.1%
🏥Healthcare	$592/mo	$589/mo	↓ $3.18less	0.5%

📦Other

↑ 50.6%

South Portland, ME

$1,156

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$585

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.7%

South Portland, ME

$1,160

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$124

🏠Housing

↓ 4.1%

South Portland, ME

$3,008

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$123

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 11.7%

South Portland, ME

$859

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$100

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.1%

South Portland, ME

$570

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$28.79

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 0.5%

South Portland, ME

$592

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$3.18

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$878

To$1,585

↑ $707

1 Bed

From$996

To$1,685

↑ $689

2 Bed

From$1,276

To$1,995

↑ $719

3 Bed

From$1,551

To$2,525

↑ $974

South Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,850/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,344

Monthly in South Portland, ME

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$654

Difference

Home Values

South Portland

Austin

$496K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +42%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$496K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 13% more expensive than South Portland

Calculate payment - South Portland Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$857

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.9%

Rate difference

South 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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

South Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.