Portland
Maine, USA
#28 in USA
72
Overall Score
VS
Toledo
Ohio, USA
#92 in USA
68
Overall Score
Portland scores higher overall

Score Breakdown

Portland
Toledo
Livability
75
68
Affordability
45
85
Business
70
75
Growth
70
60

Cost of Living

Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately 6% higher compared to Portland. Housing costs are a major driver: Portland's average rent is 120% higher than Toledo's.
MetricPortlandToledoDiff
Average Rent
$2,088$950+120%
Groceries
$0$342-100%
Utilities
$0$295-100%
Transport
$0$180-100%
Healthcare
$0$200-100%
Monthly Total
$2,088$1,967+6%
Cost Index
11495out of 100

Salary & Income

Toledo offers 100% lower average salaries.
MetricPortlandToledo
Average Salary
$0$71,000
Salary Needed
$0$52,000
Household Income
$79,540$49,724

Climate Comparison

Portland runs warmer on average — a 47.7°F difference year-round. For sunshine, Portland comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year, which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle. Winter severity differs too — Portland sees 43.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
MetricPortlandToledo
Avg Temp
47.70°F°F
Summer High
78.40°F°F
Winter Low
14.70°F°F
Rainfall
38.40 in in
Snowfall
43.20 in in
Sunny Days
254
Humidity
71.00%70.00%

Commute & Transport

Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 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.
MetricPortlandToledo
Commute Time
19 min20 min
Transit Score
65.0/1045.0/10
Walkability
62.0/1046.0/10
Traffic Index
50.00
Car Dependency
MediumHigh

Economy & Demographics

Toledo is the larger city — approximately 0.3x the population of Portland. 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.
MetricPortlandToledo
Population
68,854267,463
Pop. Growth
0.51%%
Median Age
37.835.8
Unemployment
2.70%4.40%
GDP
$0.0B$0.0B

Pros & Cons

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.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Portland
#28
Maine, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
View Full Profile
Toledo
#92
Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
View Full Profile

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