Salary Needed to Live in Portland as a Family

A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $69,747/year to live comfortably in Portland, ME — including 15% savings.

Comfortable Salary
$69,747
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$55,217
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,313
13% above national avg

Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Portland

ExpensePortlandNat'l AvgDiff
🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent$247$209+18%
🛒 Groceries$53$44+20%
⚡ Utilities$34$28+21%
🚗 Transportation$49$44+11%
🛡️ Car Insurance$197$229-14%
🏥 Health Insurance$53$58-9%
Childcare/After-school$1,380$1,200+15%
Internet + Phones$207$180+15%
Children Activities$288$250+15%
Dining Out$402$350+15%
School Supplies & Clothing$230$200+15%
Healthcare Co-pays$173$150+15%
Total Monthly$3,313$2,942+13%

How We Calculated the Salary

Monthly expenses:$3,313
Target savings (15%):$739/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$4,052
Effective tax rate:28%

Gross annual salary needed:$69,747

Other Household Types in Portland

Single Person
$23,071/yr
$1,192/mo expenses
Couple (No Kids)
$32,320/yr
$1,616/mo expenses
Retiree
$23,928/yr
$1,336/mo expenses

Related Pages

Living Alone in PortlandCity OverviewAfford on $75K?Afford on $100K?Cheaper AlternativesCost of Living

FAQ

What salary does a family with kids need in Portland?
A family with kids needs approximately $69,747/year ($5,812/month gross) to live comfortably in Portland with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Portland?
A 3br apartment/house in Portland costs approximately $247/month, which is the largest single expense at 7% of the total budget.
Is Portland affordable for a family with kids?
Portland is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 13% more salary than the US median.
← Back to Portland