Can A Bus Driver Afford Rent in Waterville, ME?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.2% of gross income.
Waterville 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 Waterville, which improves the affordability math on a bus driver salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waterville
View full rent data for Waterville, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a bus driver afford rent in Waterville, ME?
Median rent in Waterville is $1,295 a month. A typical bus driver in Maine earns about $48,193 a year, which makes that rent 32.2% 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 Waterville?
Using the 30% rule, a bus driver salary in Maine (~$48,193/yr) supports up to $1,205 a month in rent. Waterville's current median rent is $1,295/mo, which is $90/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bus driver work to cover rent in Waterville?
At an hourly equivalent of about $23 an hour, a bus driver in Maine works roughly 55.9 hours a month to cover Waterville's median rent of $1,295.
Where is rent cheaper than Waterville for a bus driver?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Presque Isle ($1,150/mo), Presque Isle ($1,150/mo), Bangor ($1,081/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bus driver salary.