City Comparison
Gorham vs Portland
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Gorham scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Gorham
Portland
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Portland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Gorham.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gorham's average rent is
14% lower than Portland's.
| Metric | Gorham | Portland | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $2,088 | -14% |
| Groceries | $400 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,750 | $2,088 | +32% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gorham offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Gorham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $112,312 | $79,540 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.3°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Gorham sees 0.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Gorham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.40°F | 47.70°F |
| Summer High | 79.10°F | 78.40°F |
| Winter Low | 13.00°F | 14.70°F |
| Rainfall | 39.00 in | 38.40 in |
| Snowfall | 43.60 in | 43.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | 254 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 71.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Portland has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 hours) per year compared to Gorham.
Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Portland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gorham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Portland is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Gorham.
From a growth perspective, Gorham is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Gorham has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Gorham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,895 | 68,854 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.41% | 0.51% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 2.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gorham
Advantages
Median household income in Gorham is robust at $112,312, comfortably outperforming the national average per Census data.
The town boasts a high homeownership rate of roughly 78.8%, reflecting neighborhood stability and community investment.
Gorham maintains low crime rates and a family-friendly profile significantly safer than national norms.
Proximity to the University of Southern Maine infuses the town with cultural events, college athletics, and educational resources.
Abundant outdoor recreational access, including the Presumpscot River and local trail networks.
Drawbacks
Median property values have climbed past $500,000, presenting affordability hurdles for first-time home buyers.
Average rent prices remain elevated, driven by high regional demand across Cumberland County.
Car dependency is high, with limited public mass transit options connecting outlying hamlets.
Average commute times can stretch past 30 minutes during peak hours for workers heading into Portland.
Inventory constraints in the local housing market limit choices for prospective movers.
Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Gorham
#33Maine, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.40°F
Pop. Growth
3.41%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
80
Business
72
Portland
#458Maine, USA
55.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
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