Can A Plumber Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 50.2% of gross income.
South Portland rent: July 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 South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,611 a month. A typical plumber in Maine earns about $62,403 a year, which makes that rent 50.2% 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 South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Maine (~$62,403/yr) supports up to $1,560 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,611/mo, which is $1,051/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a plumber in Maine works roughly 87 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,611.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a plumber?
Nearby Maine cities with lower median rent include Kittery ($2,605/mo), Kittery ($2,596/mo), Freeport ($2,532/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.