Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Auburn and South Portland, Maine. Using Maine's 1.3% property tax rate and $1,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Auburn is significantly more affordable than South Portland, with homes priced 40% lower on average. That translates to $1,215/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Maine, Auburn offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Maine's 1.3% property tax rate.
Buying in Auburn saves you approximately $1,215/month ($14,580/year) compared to South Portland, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Auburn is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $255K versus $425K in South Portland. That's $170K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $9K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Auburn, compared to $15K in South Portland. Maine offers the MaineHousing First Home program ($5,000 Advantage grant) which applies in both cities.
Auburn has the better price-to-rent ratio at 17.0x versus 20.6x in South Portland. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Auburn is $1,250/month on a $255K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
South Portland (pop. 25,665) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Auburn (pop. 24,220) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Auburn, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.