Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 58.9% of gross income.
Portland rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than Portland, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portland
View full rent data for Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Portland, ME?
Median rent in Portland is $2,429 a month. A typical paramedic in Maine earns about $49,457 a year, which makes that rent 58.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Maine (~$49,457/yr) supports up to $1,236 a month in rent. Portland's current median rent is $2,429/mo, which is $1,193/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a paramedic in Maine works roughly 102.2 hours a month to cover Portland's median rent of $2,429.
Where is rent cheaper than Portland for a paramedic?
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 paramedic salary.