CostIndexUSA

Idaho Falls, ID vs Portland, ME Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableID
Idaho Falls
94.4
overall index
$1,400/mo rent
ME
Portland
101.9
overall index
$2,200/mo rent

Idaho Falls is moderately cheaper than Portland — 7.9% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Idaho Falls, you would need $86,400 in Portland. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+25.2%
Idaho Falls
84
Portland
105.2
🛒 Groceries+1.0%
Idaho Falls
96.2
Portland
97.2
🚗 Transportation+4.3%
Idaho Falls
103.9
Portland
108.4
🏥 Healthcare+4.3%
Idaho Falls
94
Portland
98
Utilities+93.1%
Idaho Falls
69.7
Portland
134.6

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Idaho Falls to see what you'd need to earn in Portland to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Portland, ME
$86,400
$6,400 more needed in Portland

Formula: salary × (101.9 ÷ 94.4) = salary × 1.0794. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Home Price
$399,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Housing Index
84
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.8×

Portland, ME

Median Home Price
$516,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,200
Housing Index
105.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.5×

Portland has 25.2% higher housing costs compared to Idaho Falls.

Income & Job Market

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Household Income
$75,800
Per Capita Income
$43,200
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
Population
64,818
Top Industries
EnergyHealthcareAgricultureRetailGovernment

Portland, ME

Median Household Income
$92,100
Per Capita Income
$52,500
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Population
68,408
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationTourismFinanceTechnology

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Idaho Falls, ID
4.5×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Portland, ME
3.5×income-to-rent ratio

71% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.