Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 58.5% of gross income.
South Portland rent: September 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 South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,413 a month. A typical paramedic in Maine earns about $49,457 a year, which makes that rent 58.5% 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 South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Maine (~$49,457/yr) supports up to $1,236 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,413/mo, which is $1,177/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a paramedic in Maine works roughly 101.5 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,413.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a paramedic?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Kittery ($2,412/mo), Kittery ($2,411/mo), Scarborough ($2,410/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.