2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, MA vs Portland, ME

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Portland older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Portland is 0.7 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Portland or Salem?
- Portland housing costs are 10.8% less expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Portland or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Portland is 11.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salem.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Massachusetts is situated in Essex county and gives residents plenty of culture attractions from Salem Witch Museum to House Of Seven Gables Museum Store along with various restaurants like Flying Saucer Pizza Company

Things to do in Portland?
Portland, Maine is a picturesque coastal city located on the shores of Casco Bay. This historic town features an array of attractions for visitors to explore such as the fascinating Victoria Mansion or the charming Portland Lighthouse. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Back Cove or Willard Beach. With its top-rated schools, thriving businesses, and wide selection of recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Portland their home.

 Salem, MAPortland, MEUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,063329,725,481
 Median Income$72,884  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$505,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.3  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

I've been in Salem, Massachusetts for a year now because it brought me up here for my husband's job. Salem may be a great place to visit during Halloween but other  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

My husband and I move to Salem, MA from Long Island NY five years ago and we love it! We kept on visiting for Halloween and we just decided to move here for the hell of  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

We are family friendly, albeit strange. We celebrate Halloween for a month. Check out the Haunted Happenings  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Salem

Reviews for Portland    35 Reviews

Used to be great before the pandemic. Now people from out of state have ruined it by paying New York prices for real estate site unseen. Why would you live in Maine when  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I have never lived here but the lack of Jimmy John’s is depressing and makes me wish I was deceased.  More

   |    Reply

Reggie · 
Over 7 years ago

I found out I was allergic to corn on the cob here. I would give Portland twelve thumbs downs if I could. My friend told me there was a subway here and I thought he  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Portland


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.