Can A Real Estate Agent Afford Rent in South Portland, ME?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 47.5% of gross income.
South Portland rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Maine state estimate).
About rent and a real estate agent salary
Real estate agent pay is commission-driven and varies widely with local market conditions. The BLS mean averages high and low producers. At the national-average agent salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,640 a month in rent — though successful agents in active markets earn well above this.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Maine cities have lower median rent than South Portland, which improves the affordability math on a real estate agent salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Portland
View full rent data for South Portland, ME →Frequently asked questions
Can a real estate agent afford rent in South Portland, ME?
Median rent in South Portland is $2,413 a month. A typical real estate agent in Maine earns about $60,989 a year, which makes that rent 47.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a real estate agent afford in South Portland?
Using the 30% rule, a real estate agent salary in Maine (~$60,989/yr) supports up to $1,525 a month in rent. South Portland's current median rent is $2,413/mo, which is $888/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a real estate agent work to cover rent in South Portland?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a real estate agent in Maine works roughly 82.3 hours a month to cover South Portland's median rent of $2,413.
Where is rent cheaper than South Portland for a real estate agent?
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 real estate agent salary.