Best rent-to-income cities in Maine

Cities in Maine ranked by lowest rent as a percentage of median household income. Cities with 15,000+ residents.

Key findings

Saco ranks first, with rent at 25.0% of median household income.
Across all 11 cities on this list, the median rent is $1,795/mo.

Data as of September 2026. Twelve months of median rent as a share of Census median household income (5-year estimates). Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)

Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordable Most expensive Rent falling Rent rising Best rent/income Most rent-burdened Record-high rent Seasonal swings Rent vs. income

11 cities

Rank	City	Rent/income	Median rent	Income	Vs. a year ago
01	SacoME Pop. 21KCompare →	25.0%	$1,918/mo	$92,241	same
02	SanfordME Pop. 22KCompare →	29.7%	$1,795/mo	$72,524	same
03	WatervilleME Pop. 17KCompare →	30.1%	$1,342/mo	$53,580	same
04	BangorME Pop. 32KCompare →	30.2%	$1,509/mo	$59,942	same
05	AuburnME Pop. 25KCompare →	30.7%	$1,706/mo	$66,647	same
06	BiddefordME Pop. 22KCompare →	31.9%	$1,924/mo	$72,333	same
07	LewistonME Pop. 38KCompare →	32.9%	$1,518/mo	$55,393	same
08	South PortlandME Pop. 27KCompare →	33.3%	$2,413/mo	$86,838	same
09	BrunswickME Pop. 18KCompare →	36.1%	$2,125/mo	$70,722	↑1 from #10
10	PortlandME Pop. 69KCompare →	36.2%	$2,399/mo	$79,540	↓1 from #9
11	AugustaME Pop. 19KCompare →	38.7%	$1,549/mo	$47,979	same