Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Portland, TX?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.8% of gross income.
Portland rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Texas 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 Texas 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, TX →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Portland, TX?
Median rent in Portland is $1,616 a month. A typical paramedic in Texas earns about $52,648 a year, which makes that rent 36.8% 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 Texas (~$52,648/yr) supports up to $1,316 a month in rent. Portland's current median rent is $1,616/mo, which is $300/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $25 an hour, a paramedic in Texas works roughly 63.8 hours a month to cover Portland's median rent of $1,616.
Where is rent cheaper than Portland for a paramedic?
Nearby Texas cities with lower median rent include Cedar Hill ($1,615/mo), Addison ($1,615/mo), Austin ($1,615/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.