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City Report · ME

Scarborough

·3rd most expensive in Maine·Scarborough rents have dropped 5.2%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$2,694/mo
Year-over-Year
-5.2%
Month-over-Month
-4.8%
vs US Median
+$729
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Scarborough · $2,694
More expensive than 84% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
45% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,694/mo, rent takes about 45% of the US median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$108,000/yr
US median income
$72,000/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Scarborough's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,580
1 BR
$1,800
2 BR
$2,310
3 BR
$2,830
4 BR+
$3,170
Research median
$2,310/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
$32,328/yr
At $2,694/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 5.2% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-5.2% YoY, -4.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Community

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

Can you afford rent in Scarborough on your salary?

At $2,694/mo, how Scarborough rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Scarborough rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Scarborough

About renting in Scarborough, ME

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Scarborough is $2,694/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,580/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,310/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,800/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,830/mo.

At 45% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Scarborough ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 5.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Scarborough an affordable city for renters?

Scarborough is considered stretched for renters. At $2,694/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Scarborough significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Scarborough?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $108,000/year (~$52/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,694/mo in Scarborough.

Is rent going up or down in Scarborough?

Rent in Scarborough has decreased 5.2% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Scarborough rent compare to other cities in Maine?

Scarborough is one of the pricier cities in Maine for rent, ranking #3 out of 25 tracked cities at $2,694/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Scarborough?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Scarborough ($2,694/mo): Old Orchard Beach ($1,915/mo), Saco ($2,226/mo), Portland ($2,429/mo).

How does Scarborough rent compare to the national average?

Scarborough's median rent of $2,694/mo is $729 (37%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Maine, it ranks #3 out of 25 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
45%
STRETCHED

At $2,694/mo, rent takes ~45% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Scarborough 45%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5.8–7.15%
Run the Scarborough affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Scarborough
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Scarborough, ME

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