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Rent vs Buy in Portland, ME

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Portland. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$495,000

Median Rent/Month

$1,900

Property Tax Rate

1.09%/yr

Avg Appreciation

3.5%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$495,000
20% ($99,000)
$1,900
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Portland, ME?

The decision to rent or buy in Portland, Maine depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $495,000 and median monthly rent of $1,900, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Portland has an average property tax rate of 1.09% annually, which adds approximately $450/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Portland have appreciated at roughly 3.5% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Portland Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $99,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $2,632/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $450/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $413/mo