Can A Bus Driver Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 63.1% of gross income.
South Portland rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a bus driver salary
Transit bus driver pay sits near the US median household income, with municipal and unionized routes often paying more. At the national-average bus driver salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,296 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a bus driver salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a bus driver afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,533 a month. A typical bus driver in Maine earns about $48,193 a year, which makes that rent 63.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a bus driver afford in South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a bus driver salary in Maine (~$48,193/yr) supports up to $1,205 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,533/mo, which is $1,328/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bus driver work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a bus driver in Maine works roughly 109.3 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,533.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a bus driver?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Freeport ($2,532/mo), Yarmouth ($2,518/mo), Kittery ($2,472/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bus driver salary.