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Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).
12-month history
Last updated: May 30, 2026
Rents are 3% below what South Portland's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Who lives here
South Portland, ME is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How South Portland, ME has changed in 5 years
Across the past five years, the going rent in South Portland, ME has shifted from $1,799 to $2,429, up 35.0% since 2021. Household income in the area moved from $73,899 to $86,838 across the same window, up 17.5% versus 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show South Portland, ME adding about 502 residents over the five-year window, up 1.9% on net. The renter share has risen from 35.8% to 41.9%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 46.3% to 51.7% across the same window. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in South Portland, ME look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.
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Can you afford rent in South Portland on your salary?
At $2,429/mo, how South Portland rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
South Portland rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in South Portland. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in South Portland
Last updated: May 30, 2026
The median rent in South Portland is $2,429/mo as of May 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,550/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,260/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,760/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,770/mo.
At 34% of local median household income ($86,838/yr), South Portland ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.3% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Portland an affordable city for renters?
How much income do you need to rent in South Portland?
Is rent going up or down in South Portland?
How does South Portland rent compare to other cities in Maine?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than South Portland?
What percentage of South Portland residents rent vs. own?
How does South Portland rent compare to the national average?
At $2,429/mo, rent takes ~34% of South Portland's median household income ($86,838/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
How does this area stack up?
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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