Garner, NC vs Portland, ME
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Garner
68.5
#1312 nationally
Portland
72.9
#814 nationally
Portland leads in walk score (65 vs 23). Portland leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 27.8 min). Garner leads in cost of living index (106 vs 118).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Garner, NC | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.5 (#1312) | 72.9 (#814) |
| Population | 35,265 | 68,408 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $385,396 | $566,902 |
| Median Household Income | $77,171 | $71,853 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 21.2 min |
| Walk Score | 23 | 65 |
| Crime Level | 9.8 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 118 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+36.3 |
D+
68.5 Score
Garner, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$385,396
Population
35,265
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
23
Southeast
View Garner, NC →
C-
72.9 Score
Portland, ME
Foodie paradise on the coast
Median Home
$566,902
Population
68,408
Crime
Low
Schools
B+
Northeast
View Portland, ME →