Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 51.6% of gross income.
Portland rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than Portland, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portland
View full rent data for Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Portland, ME?
Median rent in Portland is $2,429 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Maine earns about $56,535 a year, which makes that rent 51.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Maine (~$56,535/yr) supports up to $1,413 a month in rent. Portland's current median rent is $2,429/mo, which is $1,016/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Maine works roughly 89.4 hours a month to cover Portland's median rent of $2,429.
Where is rent cheaper than Portland for a licensed practical nurse?
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 licensed practical nurse salary.