Can A Chef Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 52.5% of gross income.
South Portland rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a chef salary
Chef pay varies sharply by restaurant type, with executive chefs at high-end establishments earning materially above the BLS mean. At the national-average chef salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,604 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a chef salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a chef afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,611 a month. A typical chef in Maine earns about $59,660 a year, which makes that rent 52.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a chef afford in South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a chef salary in Maine (~$59,660/yr) supports up to $1,492 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,611/mo, which is $1,119/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a chef work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a chef in Maine works roughly 91 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,611.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a chef?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Kittery ($2,605/mo), Kittery ($2,596/mo), Freeport ($2,532/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a chef salary.