Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 49.9% of gross income.
Portland rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than Portland, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portland
View full rent data for Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Portland, ME?
Median rent in Portland is $2,429 a month. A typical firefighter in Maine earns about $58,413 a year, which makes that rent 49.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Maine (~$58,413/yr) supports up to $1,460 a month in rent. Portland's current median rent is $2,429/mo, which is $969/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a firefighter in Maine works roughly 86.5 hours a month to cover Portland's median rent of $2,429.
Where is rent cheaper than Portland for a firefighter?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Yarmouth ($2,421/mo), South Portland ($2,412/mo), Kittery ($2,397/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.