Can A Dental Hygienist Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37.3% of gross income.
South Portland rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a dental hygienist salary
Dental hygienist pay covers comfortable rent in most US metros. At the national-average dental-hygienist salary, the 30% rule supports about $2,188 a month in rent, which is above the median in most cities.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a dental hygienist salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental hygienist afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,533 a month. A typical dental hygienist in Maine earns about $81,384 a year, which makes that rent 37.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental hygienist afford in South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a dental hygienist salary in Maine (~$81,384/yr) supports up to $2,035 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,533/mo, which is $498/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental hygienist work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $39 an hour, a dental hygienist in Maine works roughly 64.7 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,533.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a dental hygienist?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Freeport ($2,532/mo), Yarmouth ($2,518/mo), Kittery ($2,472/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental hygienist salary.