City Comparison
Lewiston vs Portland
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lewiston scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lewiston
Portland
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Portland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Lewiston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lewiston's average rent is
40% lower than Portland's.
| Metric | Lewiston | Portland | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $2,088 | -40% |
| Groceries | $380 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,140 | $2,088 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 114 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lewiston offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Lewiston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $53,000 | $79,540 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.4°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Lewiston sees 10.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lewiston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.30°F | 47.70°F |
| Summer High | 78.20°F | 78.40°F |
| Winter Low | 11.80°F | 14.70°F |
| Rainfall | 38.00 in | 38.40 in |
| Snowfall | 53.90 in | 43.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 260 | 254 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 71.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
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 | Lewiston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 65.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 62.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Portland is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Lewiston.
From a growth perspective, Portland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lewiston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,484 | 68,854 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.51% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 2.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lewiston
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average and southern New England standards.
Strong healthcare infrastructure anchored by major employers like Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.
Rich cultural diversity and a vibrant downtown revitalization effort bringing new restaurants, arts, and local businesses.
Proximity to outdoor recreation, including the Androscoggin River, local parks, and easy access to Maine's lakes and mountains.
Presence of prestigious higher education institutions like Bates College, contributing to community enrichment and local events.
Drawbacks
Long, harsh winter weather with significant snowfall and high seasonal home heating costs.
Property tax rates in Androscoggin County can be relatively high compared to other municipalities.
Certain urban core neighborhoods face socio-economic challenges, elevated poverty rates, and pockets of property crime.
Local wage growth has historically lagged behind coastal economic hubs in Maine and Massachusetts.
Public transit options are somewhat limited, making car ownership practically essential for daily commuting and errands.
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.
Lewiston
#431Maine, USA
56.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
260/yr
Avg Temp
46.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
72
Business
66
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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