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City Report · ME

Portland

Pop. 68,854·8th most expensive in Maine·Portland rents are up 11.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,429/mo
Year-over-Year
+11.4%
Month-over-Month
+0.9%
vs US Median
+$464
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Portland · $2,429
More expensive than 77% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
52/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Portland's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$2,429/mo
Expected by trend
$2,459/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Portland's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,597
2 BR
$2,053
3 BR
$2,517
4 BR+
$2,820
Research median
$2,053/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$29,148/yr
At $2,429/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 11.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+11.4% YoY, +0.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Portland, ME is roughly split between renters and owners, 59.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
68,854
Median income
$79,540
Median age
37.8
Renters
53.1%
Age distribution
15.4%
29.4%
26.3%
16.9%
Under 1815.4%
18–3429.4%
35–5426.3%
55–6412%
65+16.9%
Gender
48.4%
51.6%
Male48.4%
Female51.6%
Race & ethnicity
78%
White78%
Black9.3%
Hispanic3.1%
Asian3.9%
Other5.7%
Education (25+)
15.1%
21.7%
59.7%
No HS diploma3.5%
HS diploma15.1%
Some college21.7%
Bachelor's+59.7%
Housing tenure
46.9%
53.1%
Owner46.9%
Renter53.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Portland, ME has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,780 → $2,429
up 36.5%
Income
$66,109 → $79,540
up 20.3%
Population
68,063 → 68,854
up 1.2%
Renter share
53.3% → 53.1%
-0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
56.5% → 59.7%
+3.2 pts
Median age
36.9 → 37.8
+0.9 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Portland, ME paid around $1,780 a month. That figure now sits near $2,429, up 36.5% from the 2021 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $79,540 today, compared with $66,109 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Portland, ME adding about 791 residents over the five-year window, up 1.2% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 56.5% to 59.7% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Portland

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View Portland rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Portland on your salary?

At $2,429/mo, how Portland rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Portland rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Portland. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Portland

About renting in Portland, ME

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Portland is $2,429/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,407/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,053/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,597/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,517/mo.

At 37% of local median household income ($79,540/yr), Portland ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Portland an affordable city for renters?

Portland is considered moderate for renters. At $2,429/mo, rent takes approximately 37% of the local median household income ($79,540/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Portland slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Portland?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $97,000/year (~$47/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,429/mo in Portland. The local median household income is $79,540/yr, meaning the typical Portland household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Portland?

Rent in Portland has increased 11.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Portland neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Portland are 04101 ($2,389/mo), 04102 ($2,401/mo), and 04103 ($2,722/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Portland is $2,429/mo.

How does Portland rent compare to other cities in Maine?

Portland is one of the pricier cities in Maine for rent, ranking #8 out of 25 tracked cities at $2,429/mo.

What percentage of Portland residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53.1% of Portland households are renters, while 46.9% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Portland has a strong rental market.

How does Portland rent compare to the national average?

Portland's median rent of $2,429/mo is $464 (24%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maine, it ranks #8 out of 25 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
37%
MODERATE

At $2,429/mo, rent takes ~37% of Portland's median household income ($79,540/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Portland 37%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5.8–7.15%
Run the Portland affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Portland, ME

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