Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 51.1% of gross income.
South Portland rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,413 a month. A typical carpenter in Maine earns about $56,674 a year, which makes that rent 51.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Maine (~$56,674/yr) supports up to $1,417 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,413/mo, which is $996/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a carpenter in Maine works roughly 88.6 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,413.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a carpenter?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Kittery ($2,412/mo), Kittery ($2,411/mo), Scarborough ($2,410/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.