Paver patio cost in Portland, ME
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $2,900 – $5,250
- Per sq ft
- $9.65 – $16.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −3%
- US $4,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #177
- 1 = most expensive
Portland homeowners pay roughly $2,900 to $5,250 to install a paver patio at 300 sq ft, or $9.65 to $16.50 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Portland is 3% lower. Construction laborers earn a median of $23.31 an hour in the Portland area, 3% above the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Portland, ME, standard level
$3,600 to $4,550
About $11.50 to $14.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 60% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| Labor | $2,150 | $2,750 |
| Permits and fees | $110 | $250 |
| Total | $3,600 | $4,550 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Portland, ME
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,750 | 36% |
| Labor | $1,750 | $2,450 | $3,150 | 60% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $180 | $360 | 4% |
| Total | $2,900 | $4,100 | $5,250 | 100% |
Where the Portland price comes from
Labor is 60% of the midpoint bill here, against 60% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (50%), brickmasons and blockmasons (30%), landscaping and groundskeeping workers (20%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Portland the blended ratio comes out at 0.96.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Portland metro is 97.2 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 300 sq ft comes to $1,450, compared with $1,500 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (101.9) and land at $0 to $360.
Data note: 30% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Portland. The wage table below marks each row.
When to schedule paver patio in Portland
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Portland Intl Jetport (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
April through October is the stretch where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Portland (7 of 12 months). January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January, February, March, November and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 144 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Portland gets about 48 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 69 inches of snow. The wettest months are April, October and December (5.3 inches in October). Inside the workable window, July and August are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 5 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 16 | 3.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 35 | 17 | 3.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 42 | 26 | 4.1 | Cold |
| Apr | 54 | 35 | 4.4 | Workable |
| May | 64 | 46 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Jun | 74 | 55 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 80 | 61 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Aug | 79 | 60 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Sep | 71 | 52 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Oct | 60 | 41 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Nov | 48 | 32 | 4.3 | Cold |
| Dec | 38 | 22 | 4.5 | Cold |
Extras that change the Portland total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Portland by the average of the local wage index (0.96) and goods index (0.97), a factor of 0.97. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Excavation and haul-away | $290 – $1,450 |
Is Portland cheap or dear? The local comparison
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 300 sq ft range from $4,100 to $5,250 across Portland and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, MEthis page | $2,900 – $5,250 | $4,100 | |
| Manchester, NH85 miles | $3,050 – $5,600 | $4,350 | +6% |
| Boston, MA85 miles | $3,700 – $6,750 | $5,250 | +28% |
| Worcester, MA120 miles | $3,450 – $6,300 | $4,850 | +19% |
| Barnstable, MA135 miles | $3,600 – $6,550 | $5,050 | +24% |
| Providence, RI140 miles | $3,450 – $6,350 | $4,900 | +20% |
| Maine (statewide) | $2,850 – $5,150 | $4,000 | −2% |
| United States | $3,000 – $5,450 | $4,250 | +4% |
Across 300 US metros, Portland comes in at #177 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $5,650; the cheapest is Dothan, AL at $3,500 (midpoints, 300 sq ft). Statewide, Portland is 2% above the Maine figure.
Other Maine metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 72,270 jobs | $2,800 – $5,050 | $3,900 | −4% |
Cities with a workforce like Portland's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Portland against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton, CA | 289,660 jobs | $3,400 – $6,200 | $4,800 | +18% |
| Lexington, KY | 286,910 jobs | $2,900 – $5,250 | $4,050 | level |
| Toledo, OH | 291,530 jobs | $3,100 – $5,650 | $4,350 | +7% |
| New Haven, CT | 281,410 jobs | $3,400 – $6,200 | $4,800 | +17% |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 3 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Portland is 0.96 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 50% of the weighting: a median of $23.31 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.50 and $27.46 an hour. About 1,470 work in the metro. That is 51.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 30% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Portland metro, so we used the Maine statewide median: $20.54 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $19.31 and $28.53 an hour.
For landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011, weighted 20%) the local median is $22.44 an hour, which is 19% above the national $18.82. The middle half of them earn between $18.77 and $23.46 an hour. BLS counts 3,180 of them working in the area, 110.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 61.3), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($27.46 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $230. At the 25th percentile ($21.50) it shrinks by about $100. The total moves by 5.7% or 2.5%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 288,480 jobs in the Portland-South Portland area. That makes it the 89th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.19% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $21.50 | $23.31 | $27.46 | $22.66 | 1.03 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 30% | $19.31 | $20.54 | $28.53 | $29.87 | 0.69 | state |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011) | 20% | $18.77 | $22.44 | $23.46 | $18.82 | 1.19 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.96 | |||||
Portland: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Portland wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$2,900 to $3,850
Basic concrete pavers, simple pattern, level yard
Standard
$3,600 to $4,550
Mid-grade pavers, a border or curve, some regrading
Premium
$4,300 to $5,250
Natural stone or clay brick, complex pattern, slope or retaining edge
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $1,400 – $1,900 | $1,800 – $2,300 | $2,200 – $2,700 |
| 16x16 (256 sq ft) | $2,450 – $3,300 | $3,100 – $3,950 | $3,700 – $4,550 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $3,850 – $5,100 | $4,750 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $6,900 |
| pool deck (800 sq ft) | $7,700 – $10,000 | $9,450 – $11,700 | $11,200 – $13,500 |
Paver patio: what moves the price in Portland
Paver material
Pavers alone average $2-$4 per sq ft but the full range is $1-$15 depending on concrete, brick, or natural stone (HomeGuide).
Base prep
The base (road base, fabric, edging, bedding and joint sand) is $1.40-$2.20 per sq ft of the materials number.
Excavation and grading
Digging out is $1-$5 per sq ft; regrading a sloped yard is $0.40-$2.00 per sq ft.
What nearby projects cost in Portland
Because every project leans on different trades, Portland's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs +3% and retaining wall −8%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,250 – $4,100 | +2% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,100 | +2% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,350 – $12,500 | −8% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,600 – $15,300 | +1% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,500 – $5,250 | +1% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,750 – $9,550 | +3% |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $3,600 to $4,550 for Portland, ME is attached.
Detailed paver patio report for Portland, ME, $9
The report lays out the paver patio numbers for Portland, ME line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Paver patio in Portland: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a paver patio in Portland?
For 300 sq ft, expect $2,900 to $5,250 in the Portland area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,600 to $4,550. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for paver patio in Portland?
About $9.65 to $16.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $360 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $10 to $17.
+Is paver patio cheaper in Portland or Manchester?
Manchester is 85 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $4,350, which is 6% more than Portland ($4,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Portland?
About 60% at the midpoint, or $2,450 out of $4,100. Materials are 36% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Portland?
$3,850 to $6,900. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does paver patio need a permit in Portland?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $360 for fees in the Portland area (our national range of $0 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Portland expensive for paver patio compared with the rest of Maine?
Portland is 2% above the Maine statewide estimate ($4,000 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in Maine; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Portland?
The BLS median is $23.31 an hour in the Portland area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.50 to $27.46.
+What do basic and premium paver patio work cost in Portland?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $2,900 to $3,850 and premium work $4,300 to $5,250. Basic means: basic concrete pavers, simple pattern, level yard. Premium means: natural stone or clay brick, complex pattern, slope or retaining edge.
+When is the best time to install a paver patio in Portland?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. July and August are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "excavation and haul-away" add in Portland?
$290 to $1,450 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Paver patio near Portland
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: 2026 Paver Patio Cost | Paver Installation Costs (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020