Is Denver, CO cheaper than South Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 16.5% more expensive than South Portland, ME. This translates to spending an extra $1240 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in South Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in South Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $164,877.167 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between South Portland, ME and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 8.0% more expensive than in South Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,276/month in South Portland, ME.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1240 more per month than South Portland, ME, or $14877 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Portland, ME vs Denver, CO: 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 $1.2K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.9K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 16.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,240

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$14.9K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:117

Median Home:$513K

South Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: South Portland, ME vs Denver, CO

Category	South Portland, ME	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,156/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $618more	53.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,160/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $302more	26.0%
🏠Housing	$3,008/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $240more	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$859/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $170more	19.8%
⚡All Utilities	$570/mo	$519/mo	↓ $50.65less	8.9%
🏥Healthcare	$592/mo	$632/mo	↑ $40.19more	6.8%

📦Other

↑ 53.5%

South Portland, ME

$1,156

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$618

🚗Transportation

↑ 26.0%

South Portland, ME

$1,160

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$302

🏠Housing

↑ 8.0%

South Portland, ME

$3,008

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$240

🛒Groceries

↑ 19.8%

South Portland, ME

$859

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$170

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.9%

South Portland, ME

$570

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$50.65

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.8%

South Portland, ME

$592

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$40.19

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

South Portland, ME has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$878

To$1,720

↑ $842

1 Bed

From$996

To$1,840

↑ $844

2 Bed

From$1,276

To$2,190

↑ $914

3 Bed

From$1,551

To$2,870

↑ $1,319

South Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,850/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,321

Difference

Home Values

South Portland

Denver

$496K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +42%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$496K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 3% more expensive than South Portland

Calculate payment - South Portland Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$307

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.5%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

South Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.