Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 46.7% of gross income.
Portland rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than Portland, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Portland
View full rent data for Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Portland, ME?
Median rent in Portland is $2,429 a month. A typical plumber in Maine earns about $62,403 a year, which makes that rent 46.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Maine (~$62,403/yr) supports up to $1,560 a month in rent. Portland's current median rent is $2,429/mo, which is $869/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a plumber in Maine works roughly 81 hours a month to cover Portland's median rent of $2,429.
Where is rent cheaper than Portland for a plumber?
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 plumber salary.