Travel Nurse Pay in Portland, Maine: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Portland.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Portland Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$840/wk
≈ $3,637.2/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,300/mo
Margin
+$2,337.2/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 7.15% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in ME.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$224
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,896
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,644
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,289
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$98,577
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,896
per week
Taxes
$224
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Maine
$1,100
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,230
Your stipend covers rent with $3,230 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,100/month in Portland:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Maine
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Maine's cost of living is higher than the national average by 8.1 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: High
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Portland
Average Hourly Rate
$51/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,040
GSA Lodging Rate
$120/night
GSA Meal Rate
$64/day
Cost of Living in Portland
Cost of Living Index
112.5 (Above National Average)
Studio
$1100/mo
1 Bedroom
$1300/mo
2 Bedroom
$1700/mo
Top Hospitals in Portland
- 🏥 Maine Medical Center
- 🏥 Mercy Hospital
- 🏥 Northern Light Health
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Portland, Maine?
Travel nurses in Portland typically earn between $46 and $61 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $51/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $56-71 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Portland, Maine?
The GSA per diem rates for Portland are: Lodging: $120/night, Meals: $64/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Portland?
The cost of living index in Portland is 112.5, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1100 for a studio to $1700 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Portland?
Top hospitals in Portland that frequently hire travel nurses include Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Northern Light Health, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Portland?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Portland include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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