Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Scarborough, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 71.6% of gross income.
Scarborough rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a dental assistant salary
Dental assistant pay sits near the US median household income. At the national-average dental-assistant salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,214 a month in rent, which is achievable in most lower- and mid-cost metros.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than Scarborough, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Scarborough
View full rent data for Scarborough, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Scarborough, ME?
Median rent in Scarborough is $2,694 a month. A typical dental assistant in Maine earns about $45,161 a year, which makes that rent 71.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental assistant afford in Scarborough?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Maine (~$45,161/yr) supports up to $1,129 a month in rent. Scarborough's current median rent is $2,694/mo, which is $1,565/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Scarborough?
At an hourly equivalent of about $22 an hour, a dental assistant in Maine works roughly 124.1 hours a month to cover Scarborough's median rent of $2,694.
Where is rent cheaper than Scarborough for a dental assistant?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Kittery ($2,683/mo), Kittery ($2,661/mo), Gorham ($2,650/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.