The Maine rental market
Maine tracks median rent across 20 cities, ranging from Waterville at $1,342/mo to Orono at $2,900/mo. The state average of $2,056/mo runs about 6% above the national median of $1,932/mo.
Across Maine cities, rents are rising, changing an average of +3.1% over the past year. 13 of 25 tracked cities are priced above the national median, while 12 fall below it. The largest rental markets are Portland, Lewiston, Bangor.
What the numbers show
Rent fell in 1 of 20 Maine cities Zillow tracks over the year to September 2026, and rose in the rest.
1 city is at the highest rent in at least three years of Zillow records. See the list.
Among cities with 15,000+ residents, South Portland ($2,413/mo) costs 1.8 times as much as Waterville ($1,342/mo).
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Maine cities, as of September 2026.
Maine rent questions
What is the average rent in Maine?
The average median rent across 20 tracked cities in Maine is $2,056/mo, about 6% above the national median of $1,932/mo.
Which Maine city has the highest rent?
Orono has the highest median rent in Maine at $2,900/mo.
Which Maine city has the most affordable rent?
Waterville is the most affordable tracked city in Maine, with a median rent of $1,342/mo.
Are rents rising or falling in Maine?
Across Maine cities, median rents are rising, changing an average of +3.1% over the past year.
How does Maine rent compare to the rest of the country?
13 of 25 tracked Maine cities have a median rent above the national median of $1,932/mo, and 12 fall below it.
What are the largest rental markets in Maine?
By population, the largest rental markets in Maine are Portland, Lewiston, Bangor. Each has its own rent data, trends, and ZIP-level breakdowns on RentDataNow.