Question 1

Is Saco, ME or South Portland, ME cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Saco, ME is cheaper. The median home price in Saco, ME is approximately $345,200 and in South Portland, ME it is approximately $357,900 — a difference of $12,700.

Question 2

Is Saco, ME or South Portland, ME safer?

Accepted Answer

Saco, ME scores higher on safety. Saco, ME has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Moderate. South Portland, ME has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is Saco, ME or South Portland, ME more walkable?

Accepted Answer

South Portland, ME is more walkable. Saco, ME has a Walk Score of N/A/100 and South Portland, ME has a Walk Score of 18/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Saco, ME or South Portland, ME?

Accepted Answer

South Portland, ME has higher-rated schools. Saco, ME has a school rating of 5.4/10 and South Portland, ME has a rating of 5.6/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Saco, ME or South Portland, ME?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Saco, ME	South Portland, ME
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Good for now
Median Price	$345K ✓ Lower price	$358K
Median Rent	$1K ✓ Lower rent	$2K
Median Income	$81K	$82K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Low ✓ More stable	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	Car-dependent	18/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	Minimal transit	2/100 ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	N/A	2/100 ✓ More bikeable
Commute	45 min	30 min ✓ Shorter commute
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	B ✓ Safer	D+
Violent Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good	Good
Community
Schools	5.4/10	5.6/10 ✓ Better schools
Best for	Families looking for suburban feelFirst‑time homebuyers with moderate budgetsRemote workers who value quiet	Families with kidsCommuters to Portland downtownRetirees looking for a coastal lifestyle

Saco, ME vs South Portland, ME

Bottom line