Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 69.4% of gross income.
South Portland rent: July 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 South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,611 a month. A typical dental assistant in Maine earns about $45,161 a year, which makes that rent 69.4% 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 South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Maine (~$45,161/yr) supports up to $1,129 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,611/mo, which is $1,482/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $22 an hour, a dental assistant in Maine works roughly 120.3 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,611.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a dental assistant?
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 dental assistant salary.